Publication scheme

1. Introduction 

North Tyneside Council is committed to openness and transparency. This Publication Scheme sets out the information that the Authority routinely makes available to the public, how the information can be accessed, and whether any charges apply. 

The Scheme has been adopted in line with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Model Publication Scheme and reflects the Council’s obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). 

This document is not exhaustive. Information that is not covered by this Scheme may still be requested through a formal information request. 

2. About the Publication Scheme 

This Scheme describes classes of information that the Authority publishes or intends to publish. Information is made available unless it is exempt under relevant legislation, for example where disclosure would breach data protection law or another statutory restriction. 

3. Classes of Information 

Class 1 – Who We Are and What We Do 

This class covers information about North Tyneside Council’s organisational structure and governance. 

This includes: 

• The Council’s constitution-  North Tyneside Council: Decision making
• Elected Members and political governance arrangements- North Tyneside Council: Decision making
• Committees, boards, and decision-making bodies Cabinet and Committees | North Tyneside Council
• Senior management structure- Council staff | North Tyneside Council
• Contact details for services and departments- Contact us | North Tyneside Council
• Information about partnerships and joint arrangements 

Class 2 – What We Spend and How We Spend It 

This class relates to the Authority’s financial information. 

This includes: 

• Annual budgets and medium‑term financial plans- Council finances | North Tyneside Council
• Statement of accounts and audit reports- Council finances | North Tyneside Council
• Council tax information-Council tax | North Tyneside Council
• Spending over £500
• Procurement procedures and contracts
• Expenses and allowances for Members and senior officers
• Grants paid and received 

Class 3 – What Our Priorities Are and How We Are Doing 

This class provides information about the Authority’s objectives and performance. 

This includes: 

• Corporate strategy and priorities
• Service plans and strategies
• Business plans
• Performance indicators and outcomes
• Inspection reports and external assessments 

Class 4 – How We Make Decisions 

This class covers the Authority’s decision-making processes. 

This includes: 

• Records of Council, Cabinet, and committee meetings-Council meetings and decision making | North Tyneside Council
• Agendas, reports, and minutes- Council meetings and decision making | North Tyneside Council
• Forward plans of key decisionsCouncil meetings and decision making | North Tyneside Council
• Delegation schemes Council meetings and decision making | North Tyneside Council
• Public consultation arrangements   

Class 5 – Our Policies and Procedures 

This class applies to written policies and procedures that guide how the Authority operates. 

This includes: 

• HR policies and procedures
• Customer service standards Customer promise | North Tyneside Council
• Data protection policies Data protection and privacy | North Tyneside Council
• FOI and information governance policies Freedom of information | North Tyneside Council
• Complaints procedures Comment, complain and compliment | North Tyneside Council
• Safeguarding policies
• Health and safety policies 
• Equality and diversity policies Equality and diversity | North Tyneside Council 

Class 6 – Lists and Registers 

This class includes information maintained in registers or lists. 

This includes: 

• Asset registers (where publication is appropriate)
• Register of Members’ interests The Statutory Register of Members Interests | North Tyneside Council
• Register of senior officer interests
• Licensing and statutory registers
• Land and property information  

Class 7 – The Services We Offer 

This class covers details of the Authority’s services to residents, businesses, and visitors. 

This includes: 

• Descriptions of services provided
• Leaflets, guidance, and information for service users
• Eligibility criteria
• Application processes
• Charges and fees
• Public access to facilities 

4. Accessing Information 

Most information covered by this Scheme is available on the North Tyneside Council website. 
Where information is not published online, it can be requested in alternative formats wherever reasonably practicable. 

Requests should be made in writing, including by email. 

5. Charges 

Information published under this Scheme is generally available free of charge. 

Where a charge is applied, this will reflect: 

• Printing or copying costs
• Postage
• Any permitted statutory fees 

Any charges will be communicated in advance. 

6. Re‑use of Information 

Information supplied under this Scheme may be reused in line with the Open Government Licence, unless otherwise stated. 

Some information may be subject to copyright or licensing restrictions. 

7. Requests for Information Not Covered by This Scheme 

Information not published under this Scheme may be requested under: 

• The Freedom of Information Act 2000, or
• The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 

Requests will be considered in accordance with statutory timescales. 

8. Feedback and Complaints 

If you believe information has not been made available in accordance with this Scheme, or you are dissatisfied with how a request has been handled, you may use the Authority’s complaints process. 

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner. 

9. Contact Details 

Information Governance Team 
North Tyneside Council 

Email: information.governance@northtyneside.gov.uk 
Website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk 

10. Review 

This Publication Scheme will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains accurate and up to date. 

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