Under the Freedom of Information Act, you have the right to ask for information to be provided in a particular way and we will try to meet your request. We will help you as much as possible but we are not required to look for the information you request unless we have:

• a clear and understandable written request with enough detail to locate the information;
• your name and address so we can respond to your request;
• an indication about the form in which you want the information.

This will ensure that your application is dealt with as quickly as possible.

Some documents may include exempt information, in this case you will only get the information which is not exempt.

Fees

Any fee charged will be calculated by looking at the costs directly and reasonably incurred, locating the information you have asked for and giving it to you. You will then be sent a 'fees notice' which you will have to pay within three months of your request - you will not receive information until you have paid the costs in the fees notice.

If the estimated cost of providing the information would be above the appropriate limit set by the Government then we will not be under a duty to provide the information. However, Metro will inform you if the limit will be exceeded and we will try to let you know what can be provided within the limit. Despite not being obliged to provide information which exceeds the limit Metro will still be under a duty to advise and assist.

Information provided for a fee will attract the following charges:

• Photocopying charges of 10p per page plus an administration fee of £3.00 plus postage
• The fees of external printers where Metro does not have the equipment to copy large items
• If the information can and is supplied electronically no charges will be levied

No charges will be made where a request for information is refused or a claim is lodged against a refusal to supply information.

Code of Practice and Data Protection

As well as being able to access information which is publicly available under the Publication Scheme, we will answer queries under the existing Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. This allows you to write and ask us to supply you with specific information.

You can also apply for a copy of the personal data we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998 - that is information relating to an applicant that has arisen through their employment with Metro or information obtained about an individual through the Authority's statutory functions. There is a fee of £10 and you should contact:

The Information Officer (David Burrell)
Metro
Wellington House
40-50 Wellington Street
Leeds LS1 2DE

In order to protect Metro, there will be rules which govern multiple applications for information which are clearly trying to avoid the financial limits set by the Government. However, we will try to help you as much as possible to get the information you want.