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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;