Central Bedfordshire Council

The complainant has requested information with regards to Children with Disabilities Services. Central Bedfordshire Council (the council) refused the request under section 21 of the FOIA – information reasonably accessible. The Commissioner’s decision is that the council has incorrectly applied section 21 of the FOIA. The Commissioner requires the council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Issue a fresh response to the request which does not cite section 21 of the FOIA. The council must take these steps within 35 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of FOIA and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.