Freedom of Information Act
You have a right of access to information held by the Service under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000.
As part of our duty under the Act, we supply information to the public and our website is one of the ways we use to keep you informed. We keep and maintain a publication scheme (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/about-us/freedom-information/our-publication-scheme), so you may find what you are looking for there.
How to make a freedom of information request
To make a freedom of information request you will need to put it in writing. You can write to us, send us an email or use our online form (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/about-us/freedom-information/request-form).
Information we need to process your request
- A contact name and address. We may need to contact you to clarify the request. A telephone number would be useful and we will need somewhere to send the information.
- A description of the information required.
If we hold the information requested and are able to release it, we will do so within 20 working days (after the day of receipt of your request). This is the timeframe set by the legislation.
Where to send your request
You can use our online form (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/about-us/freedom-information/request-form) to submit your request. If you'd prefer you can also use the following contact details:
freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk (mailto:freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk)
Information Governance Team
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
The Knowle
Clyst St George
Exeter
EX3 0NW
If you are unable to put your request in writing or need help with your request, please contact our Information Governance team via freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk (mailto:freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk).
| Freedom of information requests | 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Requests processed within the legislative timescale | 123 | 131 | 138 | 138 | 196 |
| Requests processed outside the legislative timescale | 5 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 8 |
| Requests withdrawn or declined * | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Requests processed within extended compliance ** | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Total number of requests | 132 | 152 | 151 | 153 | 208 |
* Withdrawn is when a requester withdraws their request. Declined is when we decline a request because it’s not for us or because the Service already provides the data as normal business.
** Within extended compliance is when a considered exemption requires a public interest test, in which case, we are allowed a further 20 days to respond.
Further information
If you need any further information about these Acts or Regulations, or if you need advice or assistance with your information request, please contact the Information Governance team:
t: 01392 872200 (tel:01392 872220)
e: freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk (mailto:freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk) or informationgovernance@dsfire.gov.uk (mailto:informationgovernance@dsfire.gov.uk).
You can also access more information on the Information Commissioner's website (http://www.ico.org.uk/).