Police Federation of England and Wales

The complainant has requested information about Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) National Board member expenses. PFEW refused the request, citing section 12(1) (cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit) of FOIA.
The Commissioner’s decision is that PFEW was entitled to refuse to comply with the request in accordance with section 12(1) of FOIA. However, the Commissioner finds that PFEW did not comply with its obligations under section 16 of FOIA to offer advice and assistance.
The Commissioner requires PFEW to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.
• Provide advice and assistance to the complainant to assist them in submitting a request which may be handled within the appropriate limit.
PFEW 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.