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Freedom of Information Act 2000The Freedom of Information Act 2000 became law on 30 November 2000. The Act does two main things:
How to apply for informationNS&I publishes a lot of information about its products, services and its relationship with HM Treasury. It is possible that the information you seek may already be published and, before making a request, you should check whether we already publish the information you want on this website and the NS&I Annual Report and Accounts. If you cannot find what you require, you can submit a request to: Freedom of Information Unit E-mail: foi@nsandi.com In making a request we ask you to:
The Information Commissioner has published a Charter for Responsible Requesters. How we will handle requestsWe will provide advice and assistance wherever that would be helpful. We have a statutory obligation to reply within 20 working days. We will tell you whether or not we hold the information requested. NS&I may charge a fee for processing a Freedom of Information access request, which will be payable in advance. The fee will be calculated in line with the fees regulations published by the Department of Constitutional Affairs. Under the Act, fees may be charged in respect of the time spent efficiently locating or copying records, based on a standard hourly rate. No charges may apply in respect of the time spent by the Department in considering whether information can be released. If a fee is required, the limit of 20 working days will be extended by up to three months until the fee is paid. We will provide the information requested unless:
If the last judgement is complex, the Act provides for extra time to be taken and we would notify you if that is needed. We will keep you notified of progress where appropriate. If you are dissatisfied with the handling or the outcome of your request, you should write to us within three months of the date of your response from NS&I at the above address, asking the FOI team to conduct an internal review. In the event that we receive such a complaint, we will ensure a fresh look at the entire case and write to you to explain the outcome. We will also tell you how to take your concerns to the Information Commissioner, if you remain dissatisfied. Publication SchemeUnder section 19 of the Act all public authorities including government departments such as the NS&I are required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme approved by the Information Commissioner. NS&I produced a bespoke Publication Scheme in 2005. In 2008 the Information Commissioner produced a new model publication scheme for Departments and from 1 January 2009 this replaces our previous version. The model publication scheme prepared by the Information Commissioner can be viewed here. The Information Commissioner has recognised that, since 2002, structured websites have come to perform much of the function that the Publication Scheme was originally intended to fulfil. For NS&I, the public website is the source of the majority of information covered by the model publication scheme. Where information covered by the model publication scheme is not available on the NS&I website, please make a freedom of information request to NS&I. The model publication scheme defines Classes of Information that Authorities should publish, as follows: 1. Who we are and what we do. National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering savings and investment products to personal savers and investors. We are also a government department and an Executive Agency of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The money placed with us by customers is used by HM Treasury to help manage the national debt cost-effectively, contributing towards the government’s financing needs. When customers invest with us they are lending money to the government, which pays them interest or Premium Bond prizes in return. Our products are backed by HM Treasury. Our aim is to help reduce the cost to the taxpayer of government borrowing now and in the future. To achieve our single strategic objective is to provide the government with cost-effective retail finance compared to funds raised on the wholesale market. We are committed to keeping our range of products under review so that we continue to meet the changing needs of our customers. Our range of savings and investments include products that are free of UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax for taxpayers. 2. What we spend and how we spend it. 3. What our priorities are and how we are doing. 4. How we make decisions. Our Annual Report & Accounts is the principal source for strategic information under the first four classes. Hard copies of the NS&I Annual Report and Accounts may be purchased from The Stationery Office. NS&I staff members undertake their duties in line with the requirements of the Civil Service Code and Civil Service Management Code, which make clear that civil servants must make sure public money and other resources are used properly and efficiently. Click here for business expenses claimed by NS&I Executive Directors and Non Executive Directors for the financial year 2008/09. Summary minutes of the NS&I Board, Audit Committee and Appointments and Remuneration Committee are available as hard copies on request to NS&I. No charge will be made. NS&I operates through a partnership with Siemens. The National Audit Office’s (NAO’s) report on their review of these arrangements has been made available on the NAO website:
Further information is contained in the ‘Procurement procedures and contracts’ and 'About NS&I’ section of the website. 5. Our policies and procedures. Internal staff policies and procedures can be found in the 'Working at NS&I’ section of the website. Please also visit our 'Privacy and Security' section of the website and 'Site conditions and Legal' section of the website for information on NS&I’s Information Charter, Banking Code and Complaints procedures, as well as the Acts and Regulations that govern NS&I. 6. Lists and Registers. Information on NS&I Assets and other Board positions held by our Non- Executive Directors is contained within the Annual Report and Accounts and Departmental Reports. NS&I have produced a log of Premium Bond related disclosures under the Freedom of Information Act. For more information click here. 7. The services we offer. Please visit the NS&I home page for information on NS&I products and services, including those for Financial Advisers and NS&I Media Centre. Please also visit our current vacancies section on the website for job opportunities at NS&I. Related links
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