Overview
One of your data protection rights is the right of access.
This means you can request to see a copy of information we hold about you through a subject access request (SAR).
Appointing an agent
If you wish, you can appoint someone (an agent) to make a subject access request on your behalf. This might be a parent or solicitor, for example.
We may ask for proof of identity to make sure your personal data is not disclosed to anyone else. Where the subject access request is being made on your behalf, we will request written confirmation from you for your agent to act on your behalf.
Children’s information
A person with parental responsibility can request information about their child. However, we will always consider the best interests of the child.
Before responding to a request for information we hold about a child, we will consider whether the child is mature enough to understand their rights. In normal circumstances, we consider a child of 13 or older is old enough to understand their rights.
Making a valid request
A SAR must be both:
- clear
- specific
We can only begin working on a SAR when you have provided information that is sufficiently clear and specific.
Example: A request for 'all of the personal data held on me' is not specific enough for us to find your personal data.
We process personal information for many reasons. The most requested information types are:
- social care information
- Housing Benefit files
- Council Tax information
- employment files
You need to state which council department or departments you have dealt with.
Fee
We do not charge a fee for a SAR.
