Hastings Borough Council

The complainant requested information relating to a landslip. Hastings Borough Council (the “Council”) refused the request under the exception for manifestly unreasonable (regulation 12(4)(b)). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was entitled to rely on regulation 12(4)(b) when refusing to supply the requested information. and the Council failed to comply with its duty under regulation 9(1) to offer advice and assistance to the complainant. The Commissioner requires the Council to provide the complainant with advice and assistance to help them to submit a request that does not create a manifestly unreasonable burden.