Freedom of Information Act

What a publication scheme is and why it has been developed

One of the aims of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is that public authorities should be clear and proactive about the information they will make public. To do this they must produce a publication scheme, setting out:

the classes of information which they publish or intend to publish
the manner in which the information will be published
whether the information is available free of charge or on payment

Our publication scheme consists of information already published and held by us, or information that is to be published in the future. That means that all information in our publication scheme is either available for you on our website to download and print off or is available in traditional document form. Information within the publication scheme will in most cases be available free, however, some documents will incur a charge - these are clearly indicated.

Sometimes we may have to withhold information if we consider that it is necessary to do so for reasons such as confidentiality, national security, and commercial sensitivity or for some other legitimate reason. When considering whether or not we have to withhold information we will take into account matters such as the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations and public interest. When information is withheld we will explain why we have done so.

Information has been included in this scheme which is up to two years old, however this information is still current. The majority of such information is constantly reviewed and updated information will be included as and when it is available. This scheme is not intended to be retrospective and we do not intend to publish certain information in some classes which was created or received by us before 1 January 2004.

We will publish information in accordance with this scheme and will monitor and review its operation in the light of public comment and feedback.

Information published under this scheme is held in English only unless otherwise indicated. Information may be translated upon request into other languages but is liable to a charge.

For the full text of British Waterways' Publication Scheme, click here (PDF document).

Day-to-day responsibility for this scheme rests with BW's Head of Customer Service. Click here to email him.