Financial Ombudsman Service

The complainant has requested information concerning complaints raised with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and FOS’ scheme rules.  FOS released some information.  FOS said it was not obliged to comply with part of the request under section 12(1) of the FOIA as to do so would exceed the appropriate cost limit.  Finally, FOS said that some of the requested information is exempt from release under section 21 of the FOIA because it is already reasonably accessible to the complainant. The Commissioner’s decision is that: On the balance of probabilities, FOS has released all the relevant information that it holds with regard to one part of the request, and holds no further information. FOS breached section 10(1) of the FOIA because it did not respond to the request within 20 working days.  FOS is not obliged to respond to part of the request as to do so would exceed the appropriate limit under section 12(1). It has complied with its obligation under section 16(1) to offer advice and assistance with regard to this part. The Commissioner does not require FOS to take any steps. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2017/0008 dismissed.