Ministry of Justice

The complainant contacted the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to request information relating to maladministration complaints in specific courts for the last three years. The MOJ responded and refused to comply with the request on the grounds that the costs it would incur exceeded the appropriate limit. The internal review carried out by the MOJ upheld the refusal under section 12(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the “Act”). The Commissioner has investigated and finds that compliance with the request would engage the costs limit and, therefore, the MOJ was correct to refuse to comply with the request under section 12(1). The MOJ offered advice and assistance under section 16 of the Act but this was declined by the complainant. The Commissioner requires no further steps to be taken. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2011/0193 withdrawn.