FI14584

Request

  1. Are there powers in the FOI Act or any other relevant law that permits the Council to impose sanctions against somebody who submits a request, for example, one that is considered vexatious?
  2. As I understand it the ICO have no such powers to issue sanctions against a requestor but not sure if public bodies responding to a request have the power to do so.

Response

  1. It is unclear what you mean by sanctions but other than refusing a request using one of the exemptions set out in the Freedom of Information Act, the Council has no other powers, and all requests are dealt with in accordance with the guidance issued by the ICO.
  2. This is not a question and appears to be a statement.  Requests under the Freedom of Information Act only deal with requests for recorded or documented information.  The Council deals with all requests in accordance with the legislation and using the guidance provided by the ICO, which is available on their website.