On 31 March 2010 the complainant requested that the Department for Education (then the Department for Children Schools and Families) provide him with the names and rail expenses of staff at all grades of SEO and above who had travelled first class and standard class between Darlington and London in 2008. The DfE refused the request as too costly under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It also argued that even if provided, the information would not be accurate. The Commissioner upholds the application of section 12(1); however he finds the DfE to be in breach of section 16. The Commissioner considers that although the DfE cannot guarantee the accuracy of the requested information, it could provide the complainant with advice and assistance to help him refine his request and bring it within the cost limits. The Commissioner also finds the DfE to be in breach of section 17(5) of the Act as it failed to cite section 12(1) in its refusal notice.
Section of Act/EIR and Finding: FOI 12 – Complaint Not upheld, FOI 16 – Complaint Upheld, FOI 17 – Complaint Upheld
[2010] UKICO FS50274798
Bailii
England and Wales
Information
Updated: 13 December 2021; Ref: scu.531767
