Hartlepool Borough Council

The complainant requested a large amount of information from Hartlepool Borough Council (“the council”) in the form of multiple requests relating to equal pay claims and job evaluations. The council provided a significant amount of information. However, in relation to seven of the requests, the council relied on the exclusion under section 12(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the FOIA”). This exclusion relates to requests where the costs of compliance would exceed the “appropriate limit”. The Commissioner’s decision is that the council correctly relied on section 12(1) to refuse the requests. However, he found that the council failed to offer appropriate advice and assistance, breaching its obligation under section 16(1) of the FOIA. Information Tribunal appeal (EA/2013/0118) part allowed.