Jonathan Armstrong v The Information Commissioner
The tribunal found the request was manifestly unreasonable due to its breadth and the burden it would place on the Council, especially given the substantial information already in the public domain and limited public interest demonstrated. The Council's refusal was justified under regulation 12(4)(b) and the appeal was dismissed.
- Parties
- Appellant: Jonathan Armstrong; Respondent: The Information Commissioner
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 11 October 2024
- Procedural Posture
- Appeal / Final Judgment
- Outcome
- Appeal dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Environmental Information Regulations, Freedom of Information, Public Interest Test, Manifestly Unreasonable Requests
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Jonathan Armstrong
Appellant
The Information Commissioner
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the Council was correct to refuse the information request as manifestly unreasonable under regulation 12(4)(b) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
- 2 Whether the Council provided adequate advice and assistance under regulation 9
- 3 Whether the public interest favoured disclosure of the requested information
Ratio Decidendi
The tribunal found the request was manifestly unreasonable due to its breadth and the burden it would place on the Council, especially given the substantial information already in the public domain and limited public interest demonstrated. The Council's refusal was justified under regulation 12(4)(b) and the appeal was dismissed.
Court Disposition
Appeal dismissed
Full Case Text
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