Environmental Information Regulations

Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) cover information on the state of the environment, including but not limited to: 

• elements of environment
• emissions
• administrative and operative measures (affecting 1 & 2)
• reports and economic factors
• human health and safety
• the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website provides detailed information on EIR's.

The council does not differentiate between EIR requests and FOI requests, unless the information is considered sensitive and an exemption/exception needs to be considered.

A request under EIR can be made verbally, although we encourage them to be put into writing to ensure a clear audit trail.

Requests can be sent using contact us directly.

Email:
information@iow.gov.uk 

By post:
Corporate Information Unit Legal Services Floor 1 County Hall High Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1UD

We have an obligation to reply to the EIR request within 20 working days.

All information that is considered to be ‘environmental’ in nature and falls under the definition will be in the form of:

• anything written down
• illustrations
• sound recordings
• electronic files
• departments affected by EIR.

Departments that are likely to hold information that may be considered ‘environmental’ in nature, include but are not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Refuse collection and waste management
• Energy efficiency (Strategic asset management)
• Planning services
• Highways.

Exceptions are like exemptions under FOI. All exceptions are subject to the public interest test and it is for the Council to justify their use and include:

• unfinished documents/incomplete data
• internal communications
• negatively affect matters such as confidentiality of public authority proceedings
• personal data.

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website provides more information on EIR exceptions.

The decision of whether a request for information serves the interests of the public. To either disclose the information or to maintain an exception in respect of the information requested.

General points in favour of release include:

• promotion of accountability and transparency
• bringing to light information affecting public health and safety
• timing of request
• financial considerations.