Ticehurst Parish Council

The complainant has requested a copy of invoices paid for legal advice and the details of pledges paid in regards to two planning applications. The Ticehurst Parish Council (“the Council”) provided some information within the scope of the request, but denied holding anything further. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the Council has failed to conduct adequate searches for the requested information and has now confirmed further information is held. The Commissioner requires the Council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Conduct a fresh search for the requested information and either disclose the information located or issue an appropriate refusal notice under EIR. The Council must take these steps within 30 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.