Thurrock Council
- Date 24 November 2022
- Sector Local government
- Decision(s) FOI 1: Upheld, FOI 10: Upheld, FOI 36: Upheld, FOI 41: Upheld, FOI 43: Upheld
The complainant has requested information about investments Thurrock Council (‘the Council’) has made in the renewable energy sector. The Council disclosed some information, but it refused to disclose the remainder, citing sections 36(2)(c) (Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs), 41 (Information provided in confidence) and 43(2) (Commercial interests) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that sections 41 and 43(2) of FOIA are not engaged. Section 36(2)(c) is engaged, but the public interest favours disclosure. The Council breached sections 1 and 10 of FOIA by failing to respond to the request within the 20 working day time for compliance. The Commissioner requires the Council to disclose the information requested at parts (2A) – (2G) of the request.