Bodmin Town Council

The complainant has requested various information regarding an incident relating to money donated at a charity event. Bodmin Town Council (“the council”) responded to the first request by seeking to answer the questions asked. It initially applied section 14 to a second request, however during the course of the Commissioner's investigation, it amended this and applied section 12 (appropriate limit). The complainant argues that the council should have disclosed the requested information. The Commissioner’s decision is that the council does not hold any further information falling within the scope of the first request for information. He has also decided that it was correct to apply section 12 to refuse the second request for information, however it did not provide advice and assistance to the complainant as required by section 16 of FOIA. The Commissioner requires the council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Provide the complainant with appropriate advice and assistance to help them submit a request that falls within the appropriate limit.