AC v Information Commissioner

AC v Information Commissioner

The single FOIA request was not manifestly unjustified, inappropriate, or improper; it had value and serious purpose, and did not meet the high standard of vexatiousness required by section 14 FOIA.

Parties
Appellant: AC; Respondent: Information Commissioner
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 March 2025
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information, Vexatious Requests, Public Authority Disclosure
Information Rights Administrative Law Freedom of Information Vexatious Requests Public Authority Disclosure

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Parties

AC

Appellant

Information Commissioner

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the FOIA request was properly refused as vexatious under section 14
  2. 2 Whether the Commissioner’s Decision Notice was in accordance with the law

Ratio Decidendi

The single FOIA request was not manifestly unjustified, inappropriate, or improper; it had value and serious purpose, and did not meet the high standard of vexatiousness required by section 14 FOIA.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Folkestone School for Girls is to provide a fresh response to the Appellant’s request for information dated 1 July 2024 which does not rely on section 14 FOIA within 30 working days of receipt of this decision.
  • No disclosure or publication of information likely to identify AC or protected third party, except to Folkestone School for Girls.