Information Commissioner's Office

Home Office

3 October 2017, Central government

The complainant requested information relating to expenses claimed, and gifts and hospitality accepted, by the independent anti-slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland. The Home Office refused to disclose the requested information relating to expenses claimed by the anti-slavery Commissioner, citing section 12(1) of the FOIA (cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit). It stated that it did not hold information relating to any gifts and hospitality he may have accepted. The Commissioner investigated the Home Office’s application of section 12(1). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Home Office applied section 12(1) of FOIA correctly and so it was not obliged to comply with the complainant’s information request. However, she finds the Home Office breached section 16 (duty to provide advice and assistance) of the FOIA. No steps are required as a result of this decision.

FOI 12: Not upheld FOI 16: Upheld