How much has been spent on Christmas decorations, alcohol and fireworks by Swale Borough Council?

These are just some of the questions asked to the council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Since the Act was passed eight years ago, the council has been asked almost 200 questions.

The Act, which allows a request of information from anyone, about public services, came into force in 2000. Since then, 198 requests have been made to Swale Borough Council – a rate of two a month.

~ Have a look at the requests for yourself >>>

Last month, we reported on the revenues made from parking fines in Swale. This information was gathered using the Freedom of Information Act and revealed more than £2.2 million had been generated.

The Sittingbourne Kent Messenger made a request to the council, asking for the list of all requests which had been made to them since the Act came into force.

Although we have not been given the outcomes of the questions already answered by the council, if the information is required, it should be able to be given more swiftly as the research is already completed.

The Act allows access to information previously kept under wraps and reasonable requests can be made and answers must be given within 20 days, unless otherwise stated. Refusals can be given if information is particularly sensitive or would take too long or cost too much to research and produce.

Fees can be paid to ensure the request is met, agreeable between the council and those asking the questions.