Freedom Of Information Request filed and submitted by Charles de Salis

Freedom Of Information Request filed and submitted by Charles de Salis:

Dear Sir or Madam,

This letter is an application to the SSDC under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, for all information relating to offers of hospitality and gifts made by the Newt in Somerset, and its associated companies, to members of the Council and its employees.

It is written on behalf of a number of local residents who are concerned for transparency and accountability in the Planning process, and directly as a result of receiving reliable information that more than two current members of the Area East Committee have stayed gratis at the Newt. I should stress that our concerns extend to all current, past and future Planning processes, in relation to all developments by the Newt within Cary and Tower Wards.

Specifically, in relation to meals, accommodation or other hospitality, we request all information (in whatever form- verbal, electronic and written) held by yourselves, which relates to invitations issued at any time by the Newt, by Emily Estate, by their associated companies in Italy and South Africa, or by their employees and principals, made to any Councillor, Parish Councillor or any employee of the Council, or to their immediate families. In each case, this should include the date of issue, issuer, response if any, whether such invitations have been taken up, on what date, by whom, and any declarations of interest that have resulted together with the dates on which they were made.

In addition, we request details, in the same terms as above, of any and all gifts offered (and of gifts accepted), including free entrance to the Newt Gardens.

We appreciate the work that gathering this information will involve on your part, and have taken the liberty of copying Mr Paul Rawson, of the Newt, who will no doubt be able to help you in providing detailed answers to the questions above.

I understand that you are obliged to provide me with answers in full within twenty working days of receipt of this letter, sent by email today, and I look forward to receiving them.

Yours sincerely,

Charles de Salis

Count Charles de Salis, Yarlington House, Yarlington, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8DY