Birmingham City Council

The complainant has requested various information relating to herself, her employment, and business areas within Birmingham City Council. The Council originally refused the request on the grounds of cost (under section 12), but later clarified that it was refusing the request on the grounds that it would impose a grossly oppressive burden (under section 14(1)). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council is entitled to rely upon section 14(1). However, in applying section 14(1) outside the time for compliance the Council has breached section 17(1). The Commissioner does not require the Council to take any steps, but refers it to other matters.