Attorney General's Office
- Date 16 October 2023
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 12: Not upheld, FOI 16: Upheld
The complainant requested information about the use of privately held email accounts by Ms Suella Braverman, while serving as Attorney General. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) refused to comply with the request, citing section 12(1) (cost of compliance) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the AGO is entitled to rely on section 12(1) to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner does, however, find that the AGO failed to provide reasonable advice and assistance in accordance with section 16 of FOIA to aid the complainant in refining their request. The Commissioner requires the AGO to take the following step to ensure compliance with the legislation: provide advice and assistance to the complainant regarding how they can refine their request within the cost limit. Information Tribunal FTT EA/2023/0449 appeal allowed.