Essex County Council

The complainant has requested information about a list of properties owned by Essex County Council. Essex County Council (“the Council”) refused to disclose the requested information on the basis it was vexatious under section 14(1) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was not entitled to rely on section 14(1) when refusing to provide the requested information. He requires the Council to provide the requested information or issue an appropriate refusal notice which does not rely on section 14(1). The public authority 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 the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.