The Freedom of Information Act requires every public authority to adopt and maintain a “Publication Scheme”.

The purpose of a Publication Scheme is to make sure that a significant amount of information is routinely made available, without the need for a specific request.  Publication schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness.  The scheme brings together the many different types of information available to the public in a structured way and provides details as to how it can be obtained. This aims to save you time and effort.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority’s publication scheme consists of information already published and held by the Fire Authority, as well as details of information that is to be published in the future.

Generally information is available for downloading from our website. However, if an item listed within our Publication Scheme is not available on line – it can still be requested by email, post and or by personal inspection. Normally items will be free of charge but there may be a nominal charge for some items.

The Freedom of Information Act sets out exemptions, that in some circumstances allow public authorities to withhold requested information.  Some information that we hold may not be made public some of which are under data protection: for example, information need not be released if it would prejudice national security or law enforcement (court records).

If you want to make a request for information that is not available through our publication scheme you can still apply for this under Freedom of Information legislation.

We will make information available in most languages upon request.

We will also make information available in different formats for people with disabilities upon request.
Please note environmental information can be accessed through the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.  Information about yourself can be obtained under the Data Protection Act 1998. Personal data about other people cannot be released if doing so would breach the same Act.

Freedom of Information Model Publication Scheme-1st January 2009

Guide to Freedom of Information Publication Scheme