The complainant requested information held by several Universities, including King’s College London in relation to research it may have undertaken or be undertaking with primates. This included numbers and species of primates used in previous returns already provided to the Home Office along with a summary of any current research and the species being used. … Continue reading Kings College London (Decision Notice): ICO 31 Mar 2009
Fareham Borough Council was asked to provide all unpublished information in connection with the decision to sell the freehold of Portchester Parish Hall. The Council disclosed a limited amount of information and withheld the majority citing exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. During the investigation, the Council agreed to disclose a significant amount … Continue reading Fareham Borough Council (Decision Notice): ICO 7 May 2009
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the Priory Group for information relating to the total amount of funding that the NHS has paid to Dr Veale’s Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) treatment programme at the Priory Hospital from 2000 to the time of the request. In particular the complainant … Continue reading Priory Group (Decision Notice): ICO 17 Feb 2009
The complainant asked DCMS for information about the government’s casino policy, which it subsequently clarified as being for ‘any objective external assessment that led to the adoption of first the 8-8-8 policy, and then 1-8-8 policy; and, any advice from officials to Ministers that led to these decisions being taken’. DCMS withheld the information by … Continue reading Department for Culture Media and Sport (Decision Notice): ICO 6 Apr 2009
Blidworth Parish Council was asked to provide the names and addresses of everyone renting allotments on the site which the Parish Council owns adjoining Dale Lane in Blidworth. In its initial response, the Parish Council refused to provide this information, stating simply that it was ‘not allowed’. When the Commissioner advised the Parish Council of … Continue reading Blidworth Parish Council (Decision Notice): ICO 27 Jul 2009
The complainant requested details of payments made to a former landlord by London Borough of Newham in May 2003, including the landlord’s bank account details into which the money was paid. London Borough of Newham refused to disclose the information under s40 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner upholds the public … Continue reading Newham London Borough Council (Decision Notice): ICO 24 Aug 2009
The complainant requested information from the University of Oxford concerning scientific experiments carried out on a macaque that was featured in a BBC television documentary. The University provided some information however withheld the remaining information on the grounds that it was exempt under section 38 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and explained that … Continue reading University of Oxford (Decision Notice): ICO 10 Aug 2009
The complainant requested information held by several Universities, including University College London in relation to research it may have undertaken or be undertaking with primates. This included numbers and species of primates used in previous returns already provided to the Home Office along with a summary of any current research and the species being used. … Continue reading University College London (Decision Notice): ICO 31 Mar 2009
The complainant made a request to the Highways Agency for the legal advice obtained by it in relation to a planning inquiry relating to restrictions put in place at the Orwell Crossing Lorry Park in Suffolk both before and after the Planning Inspector made his decision to allow the appeal by the lorry park owners … Continue reading Highways Agency (Decision Notice): ICO 16 Jul 2009
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to Transport for London for its internal guidance relating to how it considers appeal representations made against a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). TfL confirmed that it held the requested information but stated that it was exempt from disclosure under section 31(1)(g) in conjunction … Continue reading Transport for London (Decision Notice): ICO 29 Jun 2009
Presumption of Damage in Defamation is rebuttable The defendant complained that the presumption in English law that the victim of a libel had suffered damage was incompatible with his right to a fair trial. They said the statements complained of were repetitions of statements made by US authorities. The claimant had asserted that no more … Continue reading Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005
The complainant asked The National Archives to provide him with an electronic copy of two documents. TNA informed him that the documents he had requested are open records and are available in full for the public to view or to have a copy made, for which there is a charge. The complainant explained that he … Continue reading National Archives (Decision Notice): ICO 22 Sep 2011
The complainant requested information from the University of East Anglia relating to the University’s Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) system. The University replied to the request, refusing to release any information, citing exemption under section 41(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, but informing the complainant of his right to a review and appeal. … Continue reading University of East Anglia (Decision Notice): ICO 21 Sep 2009
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for specific information relating to a counter-fraud investigation into a named doctor. The Trust confirmed or denied whether it held that information under section 1(1)(a) of the Act. After considering the case, the Commissioner’s … Continue reading Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 29 Jun 2009
The complainant’s request was as follows: ‘I should like to request all information contained in the Council’s records in relation to the above reference number. This information should be held in paper records and by electronic methods internal and external information.’ The Commissioner’s decision is that the London Borough of Redbridge (the Council) was wrong … Continue reading Redbridge London Borough Council (Decision Notice): ICO 17 Nov 2011
On 28 February 2011 the complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for the number of people who had been dismissed annually over the last three financial years. The Trust applied section 21(1) explaining that the complainant could request the information through his … Continue reading Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS (Decision Notice): ICO 22 Sep 2011
The complainant made a request to the Governing Body of Wood Green High School (the ‘School’) for information relating to the letting of School facilities. The School provided its lettings policy but refused to provide the complainant with the rest of the requested information and relied upon the provisions contained at sections 12 and 14 … Continue reading Wood Green High School (Decision Notice): ICO 16 Jul 2009
The complainant submitted a request to the Environment Agency for the current draft of the proposed Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order it submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. The Environment Agency initially refused to disclose the draft Order on the grounds that it did not hold it as it … Continue reading Environment Agency (Decision Notice): ICO 29 Mar 2011
The complainant requested a large quantity of information from the public authority to assist in his case against dismissal. The Commissioner has determined that some of the information requested was the complainant’s personal data and is exempt under section 40(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act). He has referred it for an … Continue reading Brownhills Community Technology College (Decision Notice): ICO 3 Aug 2009
The complainant asked the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman for the names of MPs who had referred complaints to the PHSO on behalf of constituents about premium rate telephone services (with respect to television phone-in shows). The PHSO explained that the Ombudsman is subject to a statutory bar contained in the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967. … Continue reading Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (Decision Notice): ICO 8 Aug 2011
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 … Continue reading Brent Council (Decision Notice): ICO 17 Nov 2010
The complainant requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 any communications between the public authority and ministers or officials in the Government of Iceland, the Icelandic FSA and the Central Bank of Iceland regarding Landsbanki that were forwarded to the Treasury between 4 October 2008 and 8 October 2008. The public authority provided some … Continue reading Financial Services Authority (Decision Notice): ICO 31 Aug 2011
The complainant requested information from the public authority relating to complaints and correspondence about websites he was involved with. The public authority refused to deal with the request on the grounds that it was vexatious, citing section 14(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner finds that the public authority failed to provide … Continue reading New Milton Town Council (Decision Notice): ICO 22 Aug 2011
The complainant requested information relating to the cost of sealing and checking taxi meters, along with copies of specified accounts. The complainant did not receive a substantive response within the statutory timeframe and therefore complained to the Commissioner. Prior to the Commissioner commencing his investigation, the Council provided the information to the complainant. The complainant … Continue reading Preston City Council (Decision Notice): ICO 15 Aug 2011
The complainant asked the public authority for information about how much it had paid to an artist commissioned to make a video portrait of David Beckham, and who owned the work. The Gallery provided information about ownership but withheld other information, citing the exemptions contained in sections 21 and 43 of the Freedom of Information … Continue reading National Portrait Gallery (Decision Notice): ICO 30 Jan 2007
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to Knowsley PCT for details of all the doctors who have been investigated by Knowsley PCT or referred to the National Clinical Assessment Service or the General Medical Council. The PCT refused to provide the requested information to the complainant as it stated … Continue reading Knowsley Primary Care Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 28 Jun 2010
The complainant made two requests for information concerning a medical examination on his late son on 13 August 1999, including the doctor’s name who conducted it. The public authority responded that it held no recorded information. The Commissioner determined that it was incorrect in this determination and therefore breached sections 1(1)(a) and (1)(1)(b) of the … Continue reading National Offender Management Service (Decision Notice) FS50190664: ICO 28 Sep 2009
The complainant made a number of requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the Open University for information relating to the use of animals and animal material at the University. The University responded to the requests, however the complainant is dissatisfied with the responses he received to requests 2, 4, and 10. The … Continue reading Open University (Decision Notice): ICO 21 Jun 2010
The complainant requested information which related to the Split Capital Investment Trust investigation that had been submitted to the board of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA failed to respond within the required 20 working days and as such failed to meet the requirements set out in section 10 of the Freedom of Information … Continue reading Financial Services Authority (Decision Notice): ICO 28 Jul 2010
The complainant made a request in May 2009 for information relating to the 1981 hunger strike in the Maze prison. The Northern Ireland Office acknowledged the request and subsequently replied in June 2009 that section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 applied to some of the information. It went on to inform the … Continue reading Northern Ireland Office (Decision Notice): ICO 2 Feb 2010
The complainant made a freedom of information request to the public authority for information it held in relation to concerns it had about the management of the Leeds City Credit Union. The public authority refused the request under section 31 (Law Enforcement); section 40 (Personal information); section 43 (Commercial Interests) and section 44 (Prohibitions on … Continue reading Financial Services Authority (Decision Notice): ICO 1 Sep 2010
The complainant asked the public authority for information relating to a specific planning issue. The public authority withheld it under section 42 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (section 42) claiming legal professional privilege and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information. The Commissioner found … Continue reading Forest Heath District Council (Decision Notice): ICO 10 Jul 2007
The complainant asked Wiltshire Police to provide information relating to an incident which occurred at a railway bridge. The public authority provided a partial response and refused to disclose the remaining information citing the exemptions under sections 40(1) and (5) (personal information) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. During the course of the Commissioner’s … Continue reading Wiltshire Police (Decision Notice): ICO 6 Oct 2010
The complainant requested copies of all minutes and correspondence held by Denmead Parish Council relating to Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Homes and landowners at a particular address covering the last 12 months. The Council initially refused to provide information, stating that the information held was exempt under section 41 of the Freedom of Information … Continue reading Denmead Parish Council (Decision Notice): ICO 3 Jun 2010
The complainant made two sets of requests to the Queen’s College for information principally relating to the proposed sale of land at Keresley, which formed part of larger plans for a residential development. The public authority responded by stating that, for most parts of the request, it did not hold recorded information. Where any information … Continue reading Queens College (Decision Notice): ICO 8 Aug 2011
The complainant wrote to the Environment Agency to request information regarding the Hendon Sewage Treatment Works. The Environment Agency refused the request under section 14 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on the grounds that it was vexatious. The complainant subsequently complained to the Commissioner who found that the request was for environmental information … Continue reading Environment Agency (Decision Notice): ICO 17 Feb 2009
The complainant asked Lancashire County Council to provide all the correspondence it held between the Council’s Pensions Service and the Department for Work and Pensions regarding a particular issue. The Council responded that it did not hold the information requested. The Commissioner investigated and decided that the Council had not interpreted the request correctly because … Continue reading Lancashire County Council (Decision Notice): ICO 8 Nov 2010
The National Archives refused to allow the complainant access to the closed parts of a Foreign and Commonwealth Office file relating to arms sales to Saudi Arabia, citing section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act). The Commissioner decided that section 27 is engaged and that the balance of the public interest … Continue reading National Archives (Decision Notice): ICO 31 Jul 2007
The complainant and his wife initially requested copies of two incident reports which had been completed by staff members of Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust (the public authority) in 2001, in relation to alleged abusive and aggressive behaviour by the complainant and his wife. The public authority treated this request, and the subsequent request referred … Continue reading Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 2 Jul 2007
The complainant made a request for several pieces of information to Royal Mail Group PLC (‘Royal Mail’). This was treated as a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘Act’). Royal Mail provided some information relating to the request. However it refused to provide a large proportion of the information requested, stating that … Continue reading Royal Mail (Decision Notice): ICO 19 Nov 2007
The complainant made a request to the Insolvency Service for information relating to bankruptcies. Owing to the context and history of the request, the Service determined that it should be deemed vexatious for the purposes of section 14(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner has investigated and has found that the Service … Continue reading Insolvency Service (Decision Notice): ICO 8 Nov 2010
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘FOIA’) the complainant requested copies of Airprox, or similar, reports in relation to three incidents involving aircraft. By way of background, the public authority defines an Airprox incident as a situation when, in the opinion of a pilot or a controller, the distance between aircraft as well … Continue reading Civil Aviation Authority (Decision Notice): ICO 19 Jun 2007
On 28 June 2005 the complainant requested information from Yorkshire Forward, a Regional Development Agency, regarding corporate events it had hosted from 2003 to date. Yorkshire Forward responded on 4 July 2005, providing information it had already issued in response to a previous request made by a different requester. The Information Commissioner finds that Yorkshire … Continue reading Yorkshire Forward (Decision Notice): ICO 5 Jun 2007
The complainant requested information about the Local Awards Committee, in relation to an application he had made for a Clinical Excellence Award. By way of background, the Local Awards Committee assesses applications for these awards, and the members of the Committee score each of the candidates. The complainant specifically requested the identities of the Committee … Continue reading Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Nhs Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 14 Jun 2007
The complainant requested information regarding the decision not to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) appeal for Gaza. The public authority refused to provide the information claiming that it was outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 because it was held for the purposes of journalism, art or literature. It was stated … Continue reading BBC (Decision Notice) FS50236191: ICO 27 Oct 2009
The complainant requested the figures for complaints about bias made to the British Broadcasting Corporation Scotland by supporters of certain political parties. The BBC refused to provide the information claiming that it was derogated from the Freedom of Information Act 2000 because it was held for the purposes of journalism, art or literature. The Commissioner … Continue reading BBC (Decision Notice) FS50301304: ICO 25 Oct 2010
The complainant is acting on behalf of the family of a deceased patient (‘Mr A’), and requested a copy of a Root Cause Analysis Report into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Mr A and another patient (‘Ms B’). This request was made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘Act’) to Hertfordshire Partnership … Continue reading Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 2 Jun 2008
The complainant requested an audit report of South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust’s (the ‘Trust’) finances for 2004-2005. The Trust refused to provide this information and cited the exemption at section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘Act’), stating that the disclosure would prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs, and would … Continue reading South Warwickshire NHS Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 14 Jun 2007
The complainant requested a list of the delegates who had attended an event organised by the Eastern Cheshire NHS Primary Care Trust (the ‘PCT’) as part of a programme of public consultation called the Future Health Care Project, together with their contact details and their ‘status information’. The PCT provided a list of the job … Continue reading Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 13 Jun 2007
The complainant requested that the public authority disclose information concerning its instructions to a firm of solicitors in relation to a particular matter. The public authority provided some of the information but not all of it relying upon section 42 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (legal professional privilege) in respect of the balance. … Continue reading Commission for Patient and Public Involvement In Health (Decision Notice): ICO 12 Feb 2007
The complainant requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 copies of all papers (minutes, reports, agendas and all other documents) for the closed parts of all board of directors meetings held by the Trust since 1 July 2009. The Trust responded that the costs limit [section 12(1)] applied and provided no information. The complainant … Continue reading Camden and Islington Foundation Nhs (Decision Notice): ICO 1 Sep 2011
The complainant supplied the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (the ‘DVLA’) with a list of vehicle registration numbers, together with details of the vehicles models and colours, and asked it to confirm whether Welwyn Hatfield District Council had made ‘non-fee paying’ enquiries in order to obtain the details of the registered vehicle keepers of those … Continue reading Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (Decision Notice): ICO 26 Jul 2007
The Commissioner’s decision is that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has dealt with the complainant’s request in accordance with Part 1 of the Act. He has decided that exemptions in sections 36 and 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 are engaged and, in the case of the former, that the balance … Continue reading Department of Trade and Industry (Decision Notice): ICO 4 Jun 2007
The complainant asked the public authority for a copy of legal advice supplied to it by its legal adviser in connection with a planning issue. The public authority withheld it under section 42 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 claiming legal professional privilege and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the … Continue reading Harlow Council (Decision Notice): ICO 12 Feb 2007
The complainant made several requests to the public authority for information relating to ‘listed events’, ie major sporting events subject to special rules on broadcasting coverage. The public authority provided some of the information but withheld other elements, citing the exemptions contained in section 35(1)(a) and (b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (‘the … Continue reading Department for Culture Media and Sport (Decision Notice): ICO 30 Jul 2007
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘Act’) to the Imperial College London (the ‘college’) for information relating to its admissions guidelines. After considering the case the Commissioner is satisfied that the information requested is not held by the college. The Commissioner considers that the request was not however … Continue reading Imperial College London (Decision Notice): ICO 30 Oct 2008
The complainant requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘Act’) a copy of an objection that had been made to him operating a sailing school from a marina owned and operated by the public authority. The public authority refused to disclose this information, stating that this was due to ‘commercial confidentiality’. At the … Continue reading British Waterways Marinas Ltd (Decision Notice): ICO 9 Jul 2007
The complainant requested copies of the legal advice sought by the Department for Communities and Local Government relating to the issue of whether Energy Performance Certificates for private dwellings contain personal data according to the definition in the Data Protection Act 1998. DCLG withheld the legal advice using section 42(1) of the Freedom of Information … Continue reading Department for Communities and Local Government (Decision Notice): ICO 13 Sep 2011
The complainant requested information held by the Valuation Office Agency about the legal basis and advice provided by the Treasury Solicitor regarding Forms of Return. The public authority confirmed that it held the requested information but was withholding it under section 42 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (section 42) claiming legal professional privilege … Continue reading Valuation Office Agency (Decision Notice): ICO 22 Jan 2007
The complainant requested a summary of the medical care provided to her late daughter. This request was sent to Easington NHS Primary Care Trust, the responsibilities of which have now passed to County Durham NHS Primary Care Trust. In order to provide this information it would have necessitated providing information from the deceased person’s medical … Continue reading County Durham NHS Primary Care Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 26 Feb 2007
The complainant requested information from the public authority about its dealings with a named company. The public authority refused to disclose relying upon section 44 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. As this is an absolute exemption the public authority did not have to consider the public interest. The Commissioner has considered the exempt … Continue reading East Sussex County Council (Decision Notice): ICO 5 Feb 2007
ICO The complainant requested information about ‘grievance complaints’ and ‘internal complaints and appeals from staff’. The CCW refused to provide this information under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. During the investigation the complainant agreed to limit his complaint to the procedural aspects of the case. The Commissioner finds that the CCW … Continue reading Consumer Council for Water (Decision Notice): ICO 25 Aug 2011
ICO The complainant requested that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust should provide her with all the information it held in relation to her deceased mother. The Trust confirmed that it held a health care file but refused to disclose it under section 41(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The complainant argued that … Continue reading Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Nhs Foundation Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 18 Aug 2011
The defendant argued that as Governor and Chief Excecutive of Bayelsa State in Nigeria he had sovereign immunity. The Foreign Office had issued a certificate that the defendant was not a Head of States under the 1978 Act. The A-G of Bayelsa had certified that the defendant was a head of State but the A-G … Continue reading Alamieyeseigha, Regina (on the Application Of) v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 25 Nov 2005
The complainant made fifteen requests for information to the Council over a period of three months. The complainant requested information concerning a planning application submitted by his neighbour, subsequent complaints he had made about the matter, and other related information. Some of the requests were for information which falls within the definition of environmental information … Continue reading Wokingham District Council (Decision Notice): ICO 3 Jan 2007
The complainant requested a copy of legal advice held by the public authority regarding the quorum necessary for a properly constituted meeting of the local Licensing Sub-Committee. The public authority initially declined relying solely upon an exemption under section 42 (‘section 42’) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the ‘Act’) claiming legal professional privilege … Continue reading Forest Heath District Council (Decision Notice): ICO 2 Apr 2007
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to North Yorkshire County Council for information about the dates on which particular road signs and road markings were installed on the A6136 Rimington Avenue in Richmond. The Council responded providing some of the requested information but stating that it did not hold … Continue reading North Yorkshire County Council (Decision Notice): ICO 1 Jun 2011
The complainant requested a copy of a medical report written by a Consultant regarding the care of his late mother. This report was written by the Consultant following a visit to her home in 1991. The public authority offered to provide the complainant with a copy of the report under the Access to Health Records … Continue reading Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 19 Feb 2007
The complainant, on 4 January 2005, requested information from the Department of Trade and Industry in relation to the assessment by the Department of the application for grant aid made in relation to the complainant’s wave energy conversion system. The Department withheld the information on the basis that it is exempt under sections 36, 41 … Continue reading Department of Trade and Industry (Decision Notice): ICO 13 Feb 2007
The complainant requested information from the public authority about its investigation into his company. The public authority refused to disclose, relying upon section 44 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. As this is an absolute exemption the public authority did not have to consider the public interest test. The Commissioner has considered the exempt … Continue reading Department of Trade and Industry (Decision Notice): ICO 4 Apr 2007
The complainant has requested an investigation report and supporting documentation, for a specified case before the public authority’s Standards Committee. His complaint is that he has not received a response to his request. The Commissioner’s decision is that Nottingham City Council failed to comply with the requirement to respond to the complainant’s request within 20 … Continue reading Nottingham City Council (Decision Notice): ICO 22 Sep 2011
At the time of the request, the authority was overseeing the development of a residential property, which included the painting of communal areas. As part of this process, CityWest commissioned a survey that asked the residents to vote on their preferred colour scheme. The complainant subsequently requested confirmation of which flat occupants in a particular … Continue reading Citywest Homes (Decision Notice): ICO 14 Dec 2009
The complainant requested information from Basildon District Council relating to the removal of specific traveller sites. The Council initially withheld the information using section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. At the internal review stage, it sought to withhold the information using the additional exemptions under section 31, 38 and 41. The Information … Continue reading Basildon District Council (Decision Notice): ICO 28 Feb 2011
In response to a BBC news article, the complainant made a request to the BBC for a copy of communications sent to and from Carter-Ruck LLP with regards to the making of a Panorama programme about Scientology. The complainant also requested that the BBC release any other communications sent to or from Carter-Ruck LLP or … Continue reading BBC (Decision Notice): ICO 14 Feb 2011
The complainant made a series of requests to Ofcom regarding the number of complaints received from viewers/listeners that were deemed not to have broken any broadcasting code and which on review, were subsequently overturned. Ofcom refused the request on cost grounds under section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner finds that … Continue reading Office of Communications (Decision Notice): ICO 21 Dec 2009
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for specific information relating to an incident involving a patient. The Trust confirmed or denied whether it held that information under section 1(1)(a) of the Act. After considering the case, the Commissioner’s decision is that … Continue reading Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 3 Dec 2009
The complainant made a request for information to Yaxley Parish Council on 9 February 2010. The Council refused to comply with the request on the grounds that it considered it to be vexatious under section 14 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner investigated and found that requested information was environmental and should … Continue reading Yaxley Parish Council (Decision Notice): ICO 20 Jan 2011
ICO The complainant has requested the attachments beginning with ‘7DS’ to emails provided in response to a separate FOIA request. NHS England has failed to respond to this request for information. The Commissioner considers that NHS England breached section 10(1) FOIA in the handling of this request. The Commissioner requires the public authority to provide … Continue reading NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) (Health (NHS)) FS50633751: ICO 4 Aug 2016
ICO The complainant has requested a breakdown of the current market rents (CMRs), in particular the andpound;/m2 or andpound;/sq.ft, for practices in Herts Valleys as well as the premises grade for each practice. NHS England provided the complainant with information relating to premise grading but refused to provide information regarding the cost of individual premises … Continue reading NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) (Health (NHS)) FS50611914: ICO 4 Aug 2016
ICO The complainant has requested information relating to notes made at a patient engagement meeting about Sudbury surgery. The Commissioner’s decision is that the NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) has correctly applied sections 1 and 22(1) of the FOIA in its response to the request. The Commissioner does not require NHS England to take any … Continue reading NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) (Health (NHS)): ICO 11 Aug 2016
ICO The complainant has requested information relating to the Targeted Record Card Checks. NHS England refused to comply with the request under section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) as it said it would exceed the cost limit to do so. The Commissioner’s decision is that NHS England was correct to apply … Continue reading NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) (Health (NHS)): ICO 9 Jun 2016
The complainant had made a number of requests to the public authority prior to this case. The first request dealt with in this Decision Notice (the original request’) was for all information which had been redacted from documents released as a result of one of the previous requests on the basis that it was not … Continue reading Department for Culture Media and Sport (Decision Notice): ICO 10 Dec 2009
The complainant requested information from the Charity Commission relating to an investigation carried out by a Receiver and Manager appointed by the Charity Commission into the financial affairs of two registered charities. The Charity Commission did not hold some of the requested information, provided the complainant with some, and refused to disclose the remainder on … Continue reading Charity Commission (Decision Notice): ICO 23 Dec 2009
The complainant made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the Royal Mail for information relating to Post Offices in Norfolk. The Royal Mail refused the complainant’s request as it stated that some of the information requested was exempt from disclosure by virtue of section 43(2) of the Act. The Royal Mail … Continue reading Royal Mail (Decision Notice): ICO 9 Nov 2009
The complainant requested information from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council relating to the issue of redundant school land not meeting expectations in the current financial crisis. The Council refused to comply with the request on the grounds that it considered it to be vexatious under section 14 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However, the … Continue reading Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (Decision Notice): ICO 10 Nov 2009
The complainant made a request for information to the City of Westminster on 19 January 2008 for a copy of all correspondence and documentation regarding the commissioning, production and issuing of a fire risk assessment report. The Council refused to comply with the request on the grounds that it considered it to be vexatious under … Continue reading City of Westminster Council (Decision Notice): ICO 3 Nov 2009
The complainant asked the public authority for information about two firms of stockbrokers. The public authority did not hold information about one; provided a small amount of information about the other; and applied the exemptions under sections 44, 43 and 40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to the remaining information. After the Commissioner’s … Continue reading Financial Services Authority (Decision Notice): ICO 18 Nov 2009
The complainant requested information from Lancaster City Council regarding its decision to award an enhanced pension to a former town clerk. Although the Council provided some information, it refused to disclose the remaining information under sections 40(2) and 41(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner has investigated and considers that the requested … Continue reading Lancaster City Council (Decision Notice): ICO 17 Nov 2009
ICO The National Archives refused to allow the complainant access to a closed Foreign and Commonwealth Office file relating to the supply of tanks for the Saudi Arabian National Guard citing section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act). The Commissioner decided that in refusing this request, The National Archives had dealt … Continue reading National Archives (Decision Notice): ICO 4 Jul 2007
The complainant made a series of requests for information relating to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigation of a fatal accident at the Charterhouse School in 1998. The public authority initially stated that no information was held and advised the complainant where information which might meet the description in his request may be located. … Continue reading Health and Safety Executive (Decision Notice): ICO 23 Nov 2009
Following the conclusion of a public inquiry concerning the proposed Port of Exeter Harbour Revision Order, the complainant asked to be provided with a copy of the Inspector’s report before the Secretary of State for Transport makes his decision about whether or not to approve it. The Planning Inspectorate initially dealt with the request under … Continue reading Department for Communities and Local Government (Decision Notice): ICO 26 Nov 2009
The complainant requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) the amount spent by the BBC on a particular piece of journalistic research and the date that the research was commissioned. The BBC stated that the requested information fell outside the scope of the Act because it is information held for the purposes … Continue reading BBC (Decision Notice) FS50355160: ICO 22 Jun 2011
The complainant made a request to the BBC for tender and commissioning information relating to Democracy Live, which provides coverage of the United Kingdom’s political institutions and the European Parliament. The BBC responded by stating that the requested information fell outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 because it is information held … Continue reading BBC (Decision Notice): ICO 16 Jun 2011
The complainant made a request to the BBC for a copy of a Panorama programme from 1987 entitled ‘Scientology -The Road to Total Freedom?’ and, if held, a transcript of the programme. The BBC responded by stating that the requested information fell outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 because it is … Continue reading BBC (Decision Notice): ICO 3 Feb 2011
The complainant made a request to the Charity Commission for details of correspondence it had entered into with the National Trust on a specific issue. The Charity Commission provided some information. However, it refused to provide any additional information on the basis that it was exempt under sections 40(2) and 41 of the Freedom of … Continue reading Charity Commission (Decision Notice): ICO 10 Nov 2009
The complainant asked the public authority to provide information relating to her pension statement and the dates it reached Warwickshire County Council and herself. The public authority did not respond to this request as it was relying on a previous refusal notice citing the exclusion at section 14 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, … Continue reading Warwickshire County Council (Decision Notice) FS50371802: ICO 31 May 2011
The complainant asked Wolverhampton City Council for a copy of an internal audit report relating to a Council-owned property, the Tettenhall Institute. The Council relied on the exemption under section 30(2)(a)(iii) and considered that the public interest favoured maintaining the exemption. The Commissioner considered that the Council’s arguments were not sufficient to enable him to … Continue reading Wolverhampton City Council (Decision Notice): ICO 31 May 2011
The complainant made a series of requests to Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust relating to the death of his mother following a surgical procedure and his subsequent complaint about this matter. Owing to the resources that it felt it had expended on these issues, the Trust came to label the complainant as vexatious … Continue reading Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 4 Nov 2009
The complainants asked Warwickshire County Council whether it had received any fees or advantage as a result of introducing its employees to a particular pension scheme. The public authority issued a refusal notice stating the request was exempt by virtue of the exclusions under sections 14(1) (vexatious requests) and 14(2) (repeated requests) of the Freedom … Continue reading Warwickshire County Council (Decision Notice) FS50348852: ICO 31 May 2011
The complainant submitted a request to Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust for the results of an investigation. The public authority refused to disclose the information under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner decided that the information that the public authority did hold was exempt from disclosure under section 41(1) … Continue reading Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (Decision Notice): ICO 7 Jan 2010
