East Riding of Yorkshire Council

The complainant requested information from East Riding of Yorkshire Council (“the council”) relating to correspondence between two named individuals, their legal representatives, and the council about an area of highway. The council withheld the information, citing exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the FOIA”). The Commissioner asked the council to reconsider the request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (“the EIR”). The council subsequently cited the exceptions under regulation 13(1), 12(5)(b) and 12(5)(f). These exceptions relate to third party personal data, legal professional privilege and information supplied voluntarily by a third party. The Commissioner’s decision is that the information should be withheld using regulation 13(1) of the EIR. He does not require any steps to be taken.