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Publication scheme

The Freedom of Information Act encourages public authorities to make as much information as possible available to the public proactively.

Under the Act, we are required to adopt a publication scheme which contains information we routinely make available, and ensure that information is published in accordance with the scheme.

Publication schemes explain what information is routinely made available to you, where and when that information is available and whether there will be a charge for the information.

We make a significant amount of information available under our scheme. One of its benefits is that it makes information easily accessible and without charge. This means that, in many cases, the information you are looking for will already be available and there will be no need for you to make a formal request under the Act.

What information is available?

Available information is grouped under seven 'classes of information':

who we are and what we do
what we spend and how we spend it
what are our priorities and how are we doing
how we make decisions
our policies and procedures
lists and registers
the service we offer.

How does the scheme work? Will I be charged for the information?

Information listed in the publication scheme is available on our website and in print. You can access information:

On our website
When the information is available on the Ministry of Justice website, or one of our partner websites, the web address will be given and a link will be provided. There is no charge for information available on the website.
By email
You can email a request to including the words publication scheme in the subject heading. There is no charge for information which is provided electronically.
By post
If you ask for information available on our website to be provided in paper format it may be necessary to make a charge. Each case is considered separately. For example, if a large amount of photocopying is required, or if the cost of postage of a large volume of paperwork is very high.

How up to date is the publication scheme website?

Most of the information included in our scheme will be current. For example, only our current health and safety policies will be available. However, for certain classes of information, it may be necessary to publish the information retrospectively.

How long is information kept on the publication scheme website?

Information will not be available through the publication scheme indefinitely. We are committed to providing the public with as much information as is practically possible. It is important that the information we provide is relevant and up to date.

Is the information available in other languages?

Most of the information we provide is currently only available in English. A formal Welsh language scheme covering our full range of responsibilities is being prepared. In the meantime we will reply to correspondence received in Welsh within 15 working days. Providing copies of material not currently available in Welsh may take longer.