In reality, enquiries that can be answered immediately or from local knowledge should be dealt with as usual; these might include office opening hours, dates of Council meetings and information contained in printed guidelines or brochures. 

Equally, enquiries that can be answered by information in the publication scheme should be dealt with by providing a copy or pointing the enquirer to the right place on the Internet.  Even enquiries that will probably be exempt, such as someone else’s personal information, have to be logged and put through the correct FOI process. 

Everyone in the Council has a duty to advise and assist potential applicants so it is important that we all have a basic knowledge of the Act or know where to find relevant help. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you

If you are still unsure please contact the Archives and Records Management Team who will be happy to assist you:

Siân Collins
Records Manager
Tel: 01620 828223
Email:  foi@eastlothian.gov.uk

Ruth Fyfe
Archivist (Job Share)
Tel. 01620 828229
Email:  foi@eastlothian.gov.uk

Shelley Neville
Support Services Assistant
Tel. 01620 828222
Email:  foi@eastlothian.gov.uk