Lincolnshire County Council

The complainant requested copies of statements made by individuals about their use of the supposed route of a public footpath. The public authority released copies of statements where the writers consented but refused to release the remaining statements on the basis they were exempt under section 40 of the Act. Having investigated, the Commissioner is satisfied that the information was appropriately withheld although the Environmental Information Regulations should have been applied and the information withheld under Regulations 12 (5)(f). The Information Tribunal has ruled on this decision and has partially upheld this appeal.