Information Commissioner's Office

Liverpool City Council

19 August 2015, Local government (City council)

The complainant has requested information relating to council tax accounts with credit balances where the liable party is deceased. The Commissioner’s decision is that Liverpool City Council has not provided sufficient reasons for applying the exemption where the cost of compliance exceeds the appropriate limit at section 12(1) of the FOIA. He has also decided that Liverpool City Council did not provide adequate advice and assistance under section 16 of the FOIA. The Commissioner requires the public authority to issue a fresh response under the FOIA without relying on section 12(1) of the FOIA, providing appropriate advice and assistance if necessary. The public authority must take these steps within 35 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.

FOI 12: Upheld FOI 16: Upheld