{"id":575,"date":"2016-04-12T17:54:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-12T16:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cookywook.co.uk\/blog\/?p=575"},"modified":"2016-04-12T17:54:07","modified_gmt":"2016-04-12T16:54:07","slug":"i-submitted-a-silly-freedom-of-information-request-about-books-and-now-i-feel-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cookywook.co.uk\/blog\/i-submitted-a-silly-freedom-of-information-request-about-books-and-now-i-feel-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"I submitted a silly Freedom of Information request about books and now I feel bad"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Week 11<\/a>\u00a0of my ‘#Richards2016<\/a>‘ project, I had to get in touch with the local council. It was\u00a0Freedom of Information Day<\/strong>, so I sent a request to the council for information. My request was thus:<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

A pretty dumb request, I’m sure you’ll agree. I submitted it fully expecting to get a “this is a dumb question and we’re not going to do it” response. But I didn’t. Like\u00a0absolute madmen<\/em> they decided to actually do it for some reason.<\/p>\n

DISCLOSURE: My friend and housemate works at the council and is well-connected with the FOI department. So yeah, basically you could say this was an INSIDE JOB. But still, I can’t believe they really\u00a0did it.<\/p>\n

I mean, I pay my council tax and all that. (Well, my landlord does on my behalf). So I guess I should be able to march up to any public servant and demand them to do whatever I want, right? Yes I know that’s not really how it works, but I think the principle is sound.<\/p>\n

After all, beyond picking up my bins, planning out transport infrastructure, maintaining public spaces and utilities, developing local art and culture, looking after stray animals, eradicating pests, securing housing for the vulnerable, providing health and welfare, licensing commercial enterprises, dispensing planning permissions, provisioning sports and leisure facilities, controlling public noise and nuisances, and generally looking out for me and my local area,\u00a0what does the council ACTUALLY\u00a0<\/strong>do for me?<\/strong><\/p>\n

So yeah, you’re fully entitled to do this kind of thing I reckon. They’ll probably appreciate it.<\/p>\n

ANYWAY ENOUGH CHIT CHAT WHAT DID I ACTUALLY LEARN?<\/p>\n

I guess I’m allowed to share the outcome of my request. What would be the point otherwise? So, here are my KEY findings.<\/p>\n

Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n