North East Lincolnshire Council

The complainant requested the qualifications of two officers along with building reports. North East Lincolnshire Council (the council) provided some information but refused to provide the officer qualifications under section 40(2) of the FOIA – third party personal data. However, after further consideration, it found that the two officers did not actually work for the council, but were employed by a third party sub-contractor. It subsequently amended its refusal to this part of its response to instead ‘information not held’. The Commissioner’s decision is that the council does not hold the requested qualifications. The Commissioner does not require the council to take any steps. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2017/0053 dismissed.