Information Commissioner's Office

South Norfolk District Council

25 June 2007, Local government (District council)

The complainants have been in dispute with the Council for some time in respect of a variety of issues. As a result of a judicial review brought against the Council by the complainants, the Council was awarded costs by the court by virtue of a court order dated 16 March 2006. The complainants submitted an information request to the Council for a detailed breakdown or invoice of the costs awarded. The Council responded and informed the complainants that it does not hold the information specified in their request. As the complainants remained dissatisfied, they raised a complaint with the Commissioner. The Commissioner considered the case and concluded that the Council does not hold the information the complainants requested. It was established that the Council does hold a copy of the “summary assessment” submitted to court and information relating to the time spent by its legal adviser on the judicial review. This information has now been communicated to the complainants. The Commissioner is therefore satisfied that the Council dealt with the complainants request in accordance with section 1 of the Act.

FOI 1: Not upheld