Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

The complainant wrote to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and requested a full list of all Veterinary practices listed as Tier 2 and 3 hospitals in the UK. He did not receive a response within 20 working days and referred the case to the Information Commissioner (‘the Commissioner’). After the Commissioner’s intervention, a response was issued. The complainant asked the Commissioner to issue a decision notice to record the unacceptable delays that he experienced. The Commissioner finds that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons breached section 10(1) because it failed to comply with section 1(1) of FOIA in 20 working days. It also breached sections 17(1) and 17(1)(b) in failing to issue a complete refusal notice within the same time period. He does not require any remedial steps to be taken because an appropriate response has now been issued.