Information Commissioner's Office

Camden Council

29 October 2007, Local government (District council)

The complainant requested the Council to disclose a list of all shops and premises visited by bailiffs during 2000 and November 2005 for the collection of rent debts and council taxes. In addition the complainant requested the Council to release a copy of the instructions sent to bailiffs for the collection of these debts. The Council responded to the complainant’s request and refused to disclose this information, citing sections 40 and 43 of the Act. As the complainant remained dissatisfied, he referred the matter to the Commissioner for consideration. The Commissioner considered the requested information and the Council’s application of the exemptions cited and concluded in this case that the requested information was exempt from disclosure under section 43 of Act. The Commissioner is also satisfied the public interest favours maintaining the exemption. Accordingly, he has not considered the Council’s application of section 40 of the Act.

FOI 43: Not upheld