Issue - meetings

The committee received a report of the Group Head of Democracy and Governance which included details of the Freedom of Information requests for the period October 2020 to March 2021. 

The Group Head of Democracy and Governance introduced the report, advising that 422 requests for information had been received for the relevant period which was higher than the previous half year.  55 requests had not been replied to within the requisite time period and 16 had not been replied to at all.  Steps had been taken to improve responses, with Executive and Group Heads receiving regular updates and more effective monitoring undertaken using the council’s Firmstep system.

 In response to members’ questions, the Group Head of Democracy and Governance advised that there was no supporting data to explain the increased number of Freedom of Information requests, however a large number related to Covid business grants processed by Revenues and Benefits.  The data period also covered the election period which had previously prompted a number of information requests.

Officers noted members’ concerns about the number of requests to which no response had been provided.  These mostly related to Revenues and Benefits which had seen a significant additional workload during the pandemic.  Notwithstanding, the Director of Finance outlined the steps which had been taken to ensure that responsibility for this function was given a dedicated officer in future.

RESOLVED –

that the report be noted.