Issue - meetings

Report of the Group Head of Democracy and Governance recommending that the Committee notes the half yearly report of Freedom of Information Act requests received between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019.

The committee received a report of the Group Head of Democracy and Governance who introduced the report.  This related to Freedom of Information Act requests received between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019.

The Group Head of Democracy and Governance informed the committee of the number of requests received and of the responses provided.  She discussed an investigation by the Information Commissioner about a complaint relating to the withholding of information by the council in relation to a planning pre-application matter - where the Information Commissioner’s office was satisfied that the council did not have the information the complainant thought it had and that no further action was to be taken. 

In response to a question from the Chair, the Group Head of Democracy and Governance advised that there were no trends or patterns in relation to the cases when a reply to a request was made by the council outside the 20 working day time limit.  A conversation ensued about the reasons for delays; particularly in respect of complicated cases. 

RESOLVED –

that the report be noted.