COVID-19 Virus – Information for Requesters.

Thank you for contacting the Department for Communities FOI team,

While FOI law still applies during this time the Department is facing
unprecedented pressures – for example as a result of staff absences,
office closures, or a significant increase in demand for our services,
such as access to benefits. 

Therefore we may find it challenging to respond to information requests
within the 20 working day timescale set out in law.

We would ask requesters to think about the impact of Covid-19 when making
a request. Your information rights remain vitally important, and the FOI
principles of openness, transparency and accountability will play an
essential role in supporting public trust at this difficult time. 
However, if you're planning a request, it's worth thinking about whether
there is any way the request might be narrowed to reduce its impact and
speed up your response.

Following guidance from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), we
will keep requesters informed of any delays and will respond as soon as
resources allow.

We will also be keeping up to date on guidance from the ICO as the
situation changes to ensure that we comply with any changes or amendments
to information rights practice.

Helen Lindsay | Information Management Branch | Department for Communities

Level 5 | Nine Lanyon Place | BELFAST | BT1 3LP

Contact: * [1][email address] | ( Tel: (028) 9082
9117 | ( DD: 38117

Supporting people, Building communities, Shaping places. 

References

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1. mailto:[email address]

Please find attached correspondence acknowledging your request as detailed
below.

Many thanks

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Please find attached the response to your request.

Many thanks

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