Anyone who makes a request under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) can ask for any information that Cambridgeshire County Council may hold in relation to the environment.

Is there anything I can’t have? 

EIR gives the rights of access to information; however in some instances we can withhold that information if an exception applies.

Where an exception applies, we are required to undertake a Public Interest Test in which we must consider whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.

If we decide that the public interest in disclosing the information is sufficient, then we will release the information; if we decide that the need to withhold the information we will contact you and explain our reasons.

Examples of Exceptions
· Information is not held (then there is a duty to refer the request on)
· The request is manifestly unreasonable
· The request is too general (after fulfilling duty to advise and assist)
· The request is for unfinished documents or data (in which case estimated time for completion must be given)
· Confidentiality of proceedings
· International relations / public security/ defence
· The course of justice and right to fair trial
· Commercial confidentiality
· Personal / voluntary data
· Environmental protection