Rochdale Borough Council

The complainant has requested information regarding the number of children that were sexually exploited while in the care of Rochdale Borough Council (the Council). The Council has relied on section 12(2) of FOIA (cost of compliance) to refuse to confirm or deny whether it held information within the scope of the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was entitled to rely on section 12(2) of FOIA to refuse to confirm or deny whether it held information within the scope of the request. The Commissioner also finds that the Council has complied with its section 16 obligation by explaining why it was unable to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.