Kent Police

The complainant requested information relating to child abuse allegations at a specified children’s home between 1976 and 1981. Kent Police responded and initially said that it did not hold any information beyond that released in response to an earlier related request. During the course of the Commissioner’s investigation, Kent Police revised its position and said that it could neither confirm nor deny on cost grounds (section 12(2) of FOIA) whether it holds the requested information. The Commissioner’s decision is that Kent Police was entitled to rely on section 12(2) to neither confirm nor deny whether it held the requested information. She also finds that it complied with its section 16 advice and assistance obligations. She does not require Kent Police to take any steps as a result of this notice. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2019/0376 struck out.