The complainant requested a copy of a report into the alleged financial mismanagement by staff at a specified school. Brent Council refused the request on the basis of section 31(1)(g) with respect to 31(2)(b) and section 40. At its internal review, the Council considered that sections 31(1)(b) and (c) applied, while also maintaining its reliance on section 31(1)(g) by virtue of 31(2)(b). With the exception of a limited amount of information that was disclosed during his investigation, the Commissioner is satisfied that section 31(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is engaged. Further, the Commissioner considers that the public interest favours maintaining the exemption. He has therefore not gone on to consider the other exemptions cited by the Council. The Commissioner, however, does find that the Council breached sections 1(1)(b) and 10(1) by its handling of the request.
Section of Act/EIR and Finding: FOI 10 – Complaint Upheld, FOI 31 – Complaint Upheld
Citations:
[2010] UKICO FS50279665
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Information
Updated: 01 April 2022; Ref: scu.531756
