British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

The complainant has requested information about the number of different languages spoken or written by BBC staff. The BBC initially advised the complainant that it did not hold the requested information, however at internal review the BBC advised that it was relying on section 12(2) for part of the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that section 12(2) of FOIA is not engaged. However, the BBC is entitled to refuse to comply with the request under section 12(1) of FOIA as to do so would exceed the appropriate cost limit. The Commissioner also finds that there was no breach of section 16 of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require further steps.