DfC Publication Scheme and FOI

About this publication scheme

Under section 19(1) of the Freedom of Information Act every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information and whether or not a charge will be made for the information.

The Information Commissioner, who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, has drawn up a Model Publication Scheme and a Definition Document for all public sector organisations. The Department has formally adopted the Information Commissioner’s model publication scheme. The scheme is organised into seven classes of information which are set out below. This structure aims to save you time and effort when searching for information.

You can also use our Publications search which contains all the documents we have made available.

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 services we offer

If you can’t find a document


The Department is committed to making information readily available, within the scope of the legislation. To assist us to deal with requests for information promptly, it would be helpful if you could direct enquiries to:

The Information Access Manager
Department for Communities
Level 4
Causeway Exchange
Belfast
BT2 7EG

email: foi@communities-ni.gov.uk

Requests for information must be in writing (or email), give your name and a correspondence (or email) address and describe the information requested. Requests for environmental information may also be made verbally. Applications should provide as much detail as possible to identify the information sought.

If the information you want is not routinely published, you can make a request for it under the Freedom of Information Act via the address above.

Alternative formats

If the information is not in a format that meets your needs please contact foi@communities-ni.gov.uk

Additional information

Disclosure log

DfC publishes responses it has issued to requests made under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations on its Disclosure Log.

Back to top