Freedom of information

Access to Information

The Freedom of Information Act gives members of the public a right of access to all information held by public authorities.

The London Development Agency (LDA) is committed to its aim of fostering a culture of openness, transparency and accountability in Government, as set out in our Transparency and Openness Statement.

Open Data

The LDA is now publishing data on London's Datastore, a repository where citizens can access data that London's public sector organisations hold. The raw data can be used for developing useful new apps, websites or mobile products.

Publication Scheme

In addition to the duty to reply to requests for information, we are required by the Act to facilitate access to information by producing a publication scheme.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, has approved revised Model Publication Schemes to be adopted by all public authorities.

The LDA adopted the relevant model publication scheme on 1 January 2009 and our quick link Publication Scheme details the categories of information that which we make routinely available.

Our aim is to publish as much information as possible on our website free of charge, but the Publication Scheme is not a definitive list of all the information on our website or all the information that the LDA holds.

Where applicable, costs will be shown under each class of information listed in the publication scheme.

If you wish to re-use or reproduce any publication listed in our publication scheme, you may be required to apply for a copyright licence.

Disclosure Log

Our Disclosure Log provides information given by the London Development Agency (LDA) in response to requests made under access to information legislation.

Other requests under Freedom of Information

Information not available through our Publication Scheme categories or on our website can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act by submitting a written request to our Public Liaison Unit either by:

• Completing the online form

• Email us

• By post to: Public Liaison Unit (FOI), London Development Agency, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8AA

Your request must state:

• Your preferred correspondence details, e.g. email or postal address

• Describe the information you need in as much detail as possible. If we need to clarify your request it may take longer to provide the information.

The Act allows a period of 20 work days for a response to be given to a request for information, we will attempt to answer your request as soon as possible.

Please note that this right of access to information is subject to certain exemptions, for example the protection of third party interests but we will explain these if they apply.

In some cases a fee may be charged for providing information and you will be informed before any costs are incurred.

If you are dissatisfied with our response to your request, you may request that the matter be reviewed internally by the LDA. A request for a review may be sent to our Public Liaison Unit. A member of senior management will conduct the review and you will be notified of the outcome within 20 work days.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on the handling of your request. The Information Commissioner is an independent statutory body which polices the operation of the Freedom of Information Act and can be contacted at the following address:

FOI Compliance Team (Complaints)
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545700
Fax: 01625 524510