Stoke-on-Trent City Council

The complainant requested 5 reports regarding the state of The Wedgewood Big House, a grade 2 listed building in Burslem, Stoke. The council did not initially provide the information in response to the request as it stated that the information was being withheld under Regulation 12(5)(b). However it subsequently withdrew its reliance on the exception and provided the complainant with copies of 2 reports. Subsequent to this the council refused to respond to further requests by the complainant for further reports. It argued that as the complainant’s requests were vexatious under section 14 of FOIA and it was under no duty to respond further, applying section 14(2). The Commissioner considered this and the reasons for his decision are outlined in decision notice FER0534618. The decision notice required the council to respond to the request. The council therefore responded to the complainants request, however it applied Regulation 12(4)(b) (manifestly unreasonable). The Commissioner’s decision is that the City of Stoke on Trent Council correctly applied Regulation 12(4)(b) in this case.