Hampshire County Council

The complainant has requested information regarding complaints about the Children’s Services department of Hampshire County Council. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, Hampshire County Council does not hold any information in scope of the request. However, she finds that it contravened its obligations under section 10 of the FOIA in failing to respond in a timely manner in accordance with the legislation. The Commissioner considers that the council did not provide the complainant with adequate advice and assistance and therefore breached its section 16 duty. However, as information has been provided as a result of subsequent requests no further action is required. The Commissioner considers that the council breached section 17(1) of the FOIA by not issuing a valid refusal notice within 20 working days of the request which stated that the requested information is not held. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2019/0464 dismissed.

The Commissioner does not require any steps. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2019/0464 under appeal.