London Borough of Lewisham

The complainant has requested information regarding the London Borough of Lewisham’s (the Council) reasonable adjustment processes and procedures. The Commissioner’s decision is that: The Council has correctly applied section 12 and was entitled to refuse the request. The Commissioner also finds that the Council did not comply with its obligations under section 16 of FOIA to offer advice and assistance The Council failed to respond within 20 working days and therefore breached section 17 of FOIA. The Commissioner now requires the Council to provide the complainant with advice and assistance to help them submit a request falling within the appropriate limit, or state that it is not possible to refine the request in such a way as to fall within the appropriate limit. 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.