Re-use of Public Sector Information (RoPSI) Regulations
Public sector information is a valuable resource that can be useful to the private sector and to citizens. The purpose of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations is to establish a framework for the effective re-use of public sector information.
Access to a large proportion of public sector information is provided under Freedom of Information legislation. The RoPSI Regulations do not change the access provisions. Instead, they provide a framework for re-use of information once access has been obtained. The Regulations do not apply unless the information has already been provided, or is accessible by means other than making a request under Freedom of Information legislation. This would include information provided in the council's Publication Scheme.
The RoPSI Regulations do not apply to:
- Information that falls outside the scope of the public task of the council. This covers situations where the council produces documents that are not directly related to its core responsibilities;
- Information in which the relevant intellectual property rights are owned or controlled by a person or organisation other than the council. For example, the council may hold documents that include material where the copyright is owned by a third party. However, this does not preclude the council from authorising the re-use of those elements that are owned by it;
- Information exempt from release under access to information legislation.
How do I make an application?
Anyone - from anywhere in the world - has a right to request to re-use information held by West Lothian Council. If you wish to submit a request to re-use information you should:
- submit your request in writing;
- give your name and address;
- specify which information you want to re-use; and
- state the purpose for which the information is to be re-used.
The council must normally respond to requests before the end of the 20th working day beginning with the day after receipt. However, the time can be extended in complex cases.
A response means one of the following:
- refusing to give permission to re-use, in which case a valid reason will be provided;
- supplying the information requested; or
- offering terms and conditions for re-use, sometimes in the form of a licence.
In most cases, information will be made available to re-use under the Open Government Licence for Public Sector Information (V3.0) (opens new window)
In all cases, requests should be sent to:
Customer Services, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF
E-Mail: customer.service@westlothian.gov.uk
Complaints
If you have made a request and are unhappy with the handling of your response from West Lothian Council or you have not received a response within 20 working days, you have the right to complain to the authority.
Review of decisions
Where you have received a response and are unhappy with the response you can request a review by the authority. Please address any requests for a review to:
Chief Solicitor, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF
Email: carol.johnston@westlothian.gov.uk
If, following the outcome of the review you are still not happy you can make an appeal to the Information Commissioner's Office;
- Online at: Information Commissioner's Office (opens new window)
- By mail at: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
- You should raise your concerns within 3 months of your last meaningful contact with us
