Information Commissioner's Office

Castle Bromwich Parish Council

26 October 2017, Local government (Parish council)

The complainant requested information from Castle Bromwich Parish Council (“the council”). She sought a photocopy of all signed agendas, minutes and meeting papers from 30 March 2016 onwards, or draft minutes if signed minutes were not available. The council refused to comply with the request on the basis that the exemptions under section 21 and section 22 were engaged under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the FOIA”). These exemptions relate to information that is already reasonably accessible and information intended for future publication. The complaint about the use of these exemptions was informally resolved however there remained a complaint about access to the meeting papers requested. The council sought to rely on the exemption under section 14(1) relating to vexatious requests. The Commissioner was not persuaded that this exemption was engaged. The Commissioner requires the council to take specified steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.

FOI 14: Upheld