London Borough of Barnet

The complainant has requested information about a particular box junction. The London Borough of Barnet denied holding some of the requested information and refused to provide the remainder as it estimated that the cost of complying with the request would exceed the appropriate limit. The Commissioner’s decision is that complying with the request would exceed the appropriate limit and therefore the London Borough is entitled to rely on section 12 to refuse the request. However, she also finds that the London Borough’s advice and assistance has not complied with its obligations under section 16 of the FOIA. The Commissioner requires the London Borough to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: provide the complainant with advice and assistance to help her refine her request to within the appropriate limit.