Freedom of Information request
the challenge:
A public authority client received a request for the
disclosure of documentation under the Freedom of Information Act
from a journalist at a national newspaper. Although the
client was able to disclose much of the documentation requested
there were concerns over the disclosure of minutes from a board
meeting where a sensitive issue was discussed.
our approach:
We advised on the application of two complicated statutory
exemptions from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act
2000 – those relating to the non-disclosure of confidential
information and personal information likely to cause the relevant
third party data subject damage or distress. We also provided
the client with a letter for onward transmission to the journalist
setting out the reasons for not disclosing the board meeting
minutes.
the result:
Our client was able to respect the confidentiality and data
protection rights of third parties whilst avoiding adverse
publicity as a result of the partial refusal of the request.