The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 were introduced on 1 January 2005 to give individuals right of access to environmental data held by local authorities and private bodies who carry out a public function e.g. utility companies.
Examples of environmental records are of land use, waste, energy, food contamination, pest control, pollution, refuse, waste management, dog patrol etc.
In complying with the Environmental Information Regulations South Tyneside Council has a duty to:
- Respond to all EIR requests within 20 working days
- Offer advice and guidance, where appropriate to ensure you acquire the information you seek.
- Respond to requests free of charge where the cost is less than £450 or 2.5 working days
- Provide information in a suitable format.
If part of an EIR request falls within Freedom of Information or Data protection different exemptions, charges and timescales do apply.
Making an Environmental Information Request
There are a number of ways to make an environmental request. EIR requests can be made verbally, by telephone, online by completion of an Environmental Request Form or in writing (fax and email included) to the following address: Records Management Team Leader, Westoe Road, Town Hall, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2RL or contact us on 0191 424 6537/6538.
Useful sources of information
For further guidance about the Environmental Regulations the following websites may prove useful: