PLR's policy is to be as open as possible and to supply requested information. However, under the FOI Act information may be withheld to protect confidentiality or where disclosure may prejudice the interests of the State or of third parties.

If information within a document made available under the Publication Scheme is withheld the document will be clearly marked to show where the information has been removed and the exemption we have used.

If a request to supply all or part of any other information is refused, the reasons for refusal will be given.

If you are dissatisfied with the response, an internal review of that decision can be requested. A senior member of PLR staff who was not involved with the original request will undertake the review. If a response from PLR is not received within 20 days, it is likely to be regarded by the Information Commissioner as amounting to a refusal of the request and allows the applicant to request an internal review to be conducted at PLR. An internal review must normally be completed before an appeal may be made to the Information Commissioner.

Requests for an internal review should be submitted in writing to:

Evelyn Relph
Assistant Registrar
Richard House
Sorbonne Close
STOCKTON-ON-TEES TS17 6DA

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, or the handling, of the internal review by PLR, you may seek an independent review from the Information Commissioner. Requests for a review by the Information Commissioner should be made in writing directly to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
WILMSLOW
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Tel: +44 (0)1625 545 700
Fax: +44 (0)1625 545 510

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