Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

The complainant has requested a range of information associated with COVID-19 and personal protective equipment. Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (‘the Trust’) has refused to comply with the request under section 12(1) of the FOIA (cost exceeds the appropriate limit). The Commissioner’s decision is as follows: The Trust is entitled to refuse to comply with the request under section 12(1) of the FOIA but it contravened its obligation under section 16(1) of the FOIA to provide adequate advice and assistance to the complainant. The Commissioner requires the Trust to take the following step to ensure compliance with the legislation: Offer the complainant advice and assistance on how he might refine his request to bring compliance within the cost limit.