Central Bedfordshire Council

The complainant has requested complaint information with regards to a named Councillor. Central Bedfordshire Council (the council) refused the request as vexatious, relying on section 14(1) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the request is not vexatious and therefore section 14(1) of FOIA is not engaged in this case. The Commissioner requires the council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Issue a fresh response to the complaint’s request without relying on section 14(1) of FOIA. 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.