Destruction and disposal of records

Destruction and disposal of records

All records undergo a review at the end of their prescribed retention period to determine whether the files may be disposed of, or whether they should be kept for an extended period.  Some records that are identified as being of particular historical value and significance may be selected for permanent preservation and transferred to Gloucestershire Archives.  

We cannot, and do not keep all records indefinitely.  

As well as being obliged to make the most efficient use of space, the County Council must also comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as well as other regulatory requirements. It is essential that we do not hold on to information for longer than it has a business use, and we also need to ensure that information is disposed of properly and securely when it reaches the end of its lifecycle.  

If you’d like to read more about records management at Gloucestershire County Council, please read our Information and Records Management Policy. (PDF, 235.3 KB)