The Appeals Panel Publication Scheme is a complete guide to the information routinely published by the Appeals Panel.

The aim of the scheme is to bring together in one place a comprehensive list of all types of information that is issued by the Panel. The scheme will categorise the types of information available and provide details on how and where that information can be obtained.

The Scheme, approved by the Information Commissioner, ensures that the Panel meets the requirements of Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The main requirements of the Publication Scheme are to:

• Specify classes of information which the Panel publishes or intends to publish;
• Specify the manner in which information of each class is, or is intended to be, published, and
• Specify whether the material is, or is intended to be, available to the public free of charge or on payment.

The Panel will publish information in accordance with the scheme and shall monitor and review its operation.

We intend that this will be a living document, which will be modified and developed in light of public comment and feedback.

Sometimes, information may not be provided and the reasons will be given in each instance. The Panel reserves the right to withhold information because of confidentiality, unwarranted invasion of privacy, commercial sensitivity or other specified grounds, including public interest.

Our scheme is not retrospective, and we do not undertake to publish information held by the Panel which was generated before 31 December 2003, the date the Scheme came into force.

Information retention periods can vary from class to class. If you have an enquiry about a specific information source, please contact:

Access to Information Unit

Rural Payments Agency,

PO Box 69, Reading,

RG1 3YD

Tel: 0118 953 1259

Fax: 0118 953 1467

email: ATIHelpdesk@rpa.gsi.gov.uk