Data protection act

Do you want to know what information the Council holds about you?

We have a duty to look after the information we hold about individuals.  This means that we must:

• Only use your information for lawful purposes
• Tell you what we are going to do with your information
• Not use it for other reasons
• Ensure that it is accurate and kept up to date
• Not ask for more information than we need or that is relevant but make sure that we have enough information to carry out our job
• Keep the information secure
• Not keep it longer than is necessary
• Not send it to countries with less rigorous data protection laws than ourselves, without your permission

You have the right to see what information we hold about you.  This is called a subject access request and must be made in writing.  There is a form here to help you.  The word version can be completed electronically and submitted via email. 

•  Data Protection - Subject Access Request [70kb]
•  Data Protection - Subject Access Request [45kb]

There is a fee of £10.00.  We should respond to your request within 40 days of receiving both the request and the fee.

You have further rights as listed below, although we would hope to be able to put things right without your needing to exercise these.  You can:

• Stop us using your information if it is or is likely to cause you unwarranted distress or damage, this right is not available in all circumstances
• Stop us sending you direct marketing material
• Receive compensation if you have suffered damage or damage and distress
• Apply to the court for an order telling us to rectify, amend or delete inaccurate information about you
• Apply to the Information Commissioner to assess whether we have complied with the Act

The Council's Public Trust Charter clearly sets out what you can expect from us when we handle your personal information. 

•  Exeter City Council Public Trust Charter [33kb]

If you wish to request a review of the way your information or your request has been handled, please write to the Council's Policy, Communications and Community Engagement Corporate Manager.  An internal review will be carried out and a response will be issued within 20 working days.  

If you are still unhappy with the way your request has been dealt with, you have the right to apply to the Information Commissioner for a decision.  Further information can be found by visiting the ICO - Information Commissioner's Office website or by calling them on 0303 123 1113.