Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police

The complainant requested information relating to the removal of his relative’s computer following their death. Staffordshire Police denied holding some information and refused to provide the remainder, citing section 38(1)(a) (health and safety) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the exemption is engaged and that the public interest lies in maintaining the exemption. Therefore Staffordshire Police is entitled to rely upon section 38(1)(a) as a basis for refusing to disclose the requested information. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken as a result of this decision. First-tier tribunal (General Regulatory chamber) information rights appeal EA/2022/0005 appeal struck out.