Northumbria Police

The complainant requested information about particular fraud reports and associated fraud charges. Northumbria Police refused to provide the requested information, citing section 12(1) of FOIA (cost of compliance), as to do so would exceed the appropriate cost and time limit. Although Northumbria Police revised its cost estimate during the course of the Commissioner’s investigation and duly informed the complainant, it advised that the reduced estimate still exceeded the cost limit. The Commissioner’s decision is that Northumbria Police is not obliged to comply with the request under section 12(1) of FOIA. She also finds that Northumbria Police complied with its section 16 of FOIA obligations. The Commissioner does not require Northumbria Police to take any steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.