Refusals, appeals and complaints
Refusing a request:
There are some circumstances where we will not be able to provide the information you have requested. This includes:
if we do not hold the information
if it has been destroyed due to data retention policies
if the information requested falls under an exemption of the Freedom of Information Act
if the cost of providing the information exceeds £450
Vexatious requests:
We won't respond to requests that are deemed to be vexatious, or repeated requests from the same person or group on substantially similar information received within 60 consecutive working days. If a request falls into either of these categories, a written refusal notice will be issued. Qualified exemptions are subject to the public interest test.
Costs/Fees:
We may refuse a request if we estimate that it will cost us more than £450. Where that limit is exceeded you'll be notified in writing and we will give you the option of either refining your request or paying for it. All payments must be received before we process your request. Please refer to our Schedule of charges.
Disbursements are the only charges permitted, unless answering the request exceeds £450.
Appeals and complaints:
If you are unhappy with the information provided or our refusal to provide information, you will be able to request that we conduct an internal review. Requests for an internal review should be sent to the above address, within two months of receipt of our response.
If you are dissatisfied after that review, you can apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the Information Commissioner cannot make a decision unless the internal review procedure has been exhausted.
Appeals to the Information Commissioner should be addressed to:
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
SK9 5AF
You can view more information on the Information Commissioner's website.