Information Rights

Data Protection

Ashford Borough Council provides a large number of services to a variety of people. In order to offer these services it is often necessary to collect and use personal data. We may collect personal data from residents in the borough, other members of the public, current, past and prospective employees, clients, customers and suppliers. We may also be required by law to collect and use information in order to comply with the requirements of central government. 

Ashford Borough Council regards the fair and lawful processing of any personal information as fundamental to its successful operations. It is essential to maintain confidence between the council and those with whom it carries out business. We therefore fully endorse and adhere to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation and related implementation legislation. 

Visit our privacy page for more information about what personal data we collect and what we do with it. 

Visit our individual rights page for more information about what rights you have over your personal data. 

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act

The Freedom of Information Act gives everyone the right to request information from public sector organisations, including local authorities. You can use this legislation to request information from Ashford Borough Council. 

The Act stipulates that local authorities must proactively publish information and this is fulfilled through our publication scheme. If you are unable to find the information you require in our publication scheme, or by searching our website. If you believe the council holds information you can’t find, you can make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for the information.  

You can do this through one of the following channels: 

• Online, using our FOI request form
• By post, writing to: Freedom of Information Officer, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL
• By email to FOI@ashford.gov.uk

Ashford Borough Council is the data controller for any personal information collected during the process of making an information request. Your information will be used to administrate your request, and processing is being conducted relying upon the legal obligation placed upon the council by either the Freedom of Information or Environmental Information Regulations. Your data may be shared with other departments within the council for the purpose of responding to your request. We will not share your information with any third parties unless we are required or permitted to do so by law. Your information will be retained along with your request for four years. 

For more information about your data protection rights please see the Council’s data protection pages or contact the Data Protection Officer at, The Data Protection Officer, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL. 

As long as your request is not covered by an exemption and no charges are required we will aim to reply within 20 working days. 

Please note, at times we may process your request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. 

If you are not happy with our response, please first follow the internal review procedure. If you are not happy with the outcome of our review, you can make a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office.