Department for Communities
- Date 25 November 2021
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 1(1)(a): Upheld, FOI 10(1): Upheld, FOI 12: Not upheld, FOI 16: Not upheld
The complainant requested from Department for Communities (“DfC”) information regarding Social Security Appeal stats for 2019/2020. DfC disclosed some information relating to the request but refused to provide the remainder under section 12(1) (cost of compliance exceeds the appropriate limit) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that DfC was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of the FOIA to refuse to comply with the request. DfC had also complied with its duty under section 16 of the FOIA by providing advice and assistance. However, DfC breached sections 1(1)(a) and 10(1) of the FOIA by failing to respond to the request within the 20 working day time for compliance. The Commissioner does not require DfC to take any steps as a result of this decision. First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) Information Rights appeal EA/2021/0375 appeal allowed in part.