What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Law came into effect from 5 January 2009. It gives the public a right of access to all types of records held by public authorities, but also sets out some exemptions from that right. This website forms the Lands & Survey Department e-publication scheme, developed in compliance with Section 5 of the Law.

Whilst much information within the Lands & Survey Department is already in the public domain, the Department has prepared for implementation through;

• The review of existing records
• The establishment of policies and procedures for dealing with Freedom of Information Requests
• The pro-active publication of documents where they are likely to be of interest to the general public.

For further information please contact our Information Manager by emailing foi.lsu@gov.ky or using the appropriate selection on our Contact Us page. For information on Freedom of Information and how you can get involved, please visit www.foi.gov.ky.

Publication Schemes

Each public authority covered by the Freedom of Information Law has a legal duty to adopt and maintain a publication scheme in accordance with Section 5 of the FOI Law. The main purpose of a publication scheme is to make information readily available without the need for specific written requests. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish proactively, and develop a greater culture of openness.

The Law states that Information to be published by public authorities includes;

• The functions of the Department, what work it does and how it sets about its tasks.
• The sections and committees of the Department.
• The subjects handled by each Department, with the locations of the Department and agencies and the opening hours of all offices.
• The title and business address of the Principal Officer and other key officers within the authority.
• Classes of records held.
• Manuals, interpretations, rules, guidelines, practices or precedents.

Please check our Document Library , Publication Scheme and Disclosure Log to see if the information you would like is already available.

Making a Request

If you want to request information from us, you should initially look at the document library to see if the information you seek has already been published. If you wish to make a request you should complete the Freedom of Information Request Form and return it to us by Mail, Fax, Email, or In Person. Alternatively, you can contact the Information Manager (select FOI) or submit a request on-line at the FOI Unit website.

Requests must be in writing (letter, email or facsimile) and must include your name and an address (either postal or e-mail). Please be as specific as possible about the information you would like, as this will help us to respond promptly. Where possible, please include a contact telephone number so we can call to discuss your request if necessary.

We will respond to your request promptly. The Law requires public authorities to respond within 30 calendar days, allowing an extension of an additional 30 calendar days if needed. We will always acknowledge receipt of FOI requests made to the above address and we will let you know if we need to extend the deadline. For detailed advice on what sorts of information is exempt please see the FOI Unit website.