Environmental Information Regulations

The updated Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 came into force on 1 January 2005. They implement European Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information and replace the 1992 Environmental Information Regulations.

Members of the public have the right to access environmental information held by public authorities.

The EIR 2004 is one of the three pieces of legislation, which make up the UK’s access to information regime along with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 and the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018.

Guidance on Handling Requests

Make a request by emailing dataprotection@wakefield.gov.uk and stating that you are requesting under EIR.

Find out how to make a request.

The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 operate alongside the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and both are intended to promote openness and accountability among public authorities. People are provided with rights of access to information held by public authorities and these rights are expected to create a better understanding of how public authorities make decisions, carry out their duties and spend their budgets.

Under the above legislation anyone, whether from home or abroad, can request information the Council holds about the environment. This can include requests from journalists, lobby groups, political parties, commercial organisations and members of the public.

• EIR frequently asked questions
• EIR fees and charges