Epping Forest District Council

The complainant has requested information regarding out of hours payments. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, Epping Forest District Council (“the Council”) has failed to comply with its duty under section 1(1) of FOIA because it has failed to identify all the information it holds within the scope of the request. The Commissioner requires the public authority to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Provide the data it holds within the scope of the request relating to the [missing] department. Assure itself that no further relevant information is held outside of the Itrent system and, if it is, either provide it or issue a refusal notice that complies with section 17 of FOIA. The public authority 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.