Thomas Bright v The Information Commissioner & Anor

The Tribunal found that Mr Bright's requests, in context and considering their breadth, pattern, and history, imposed a significant and disproportionate burden on the Council, lacked serious purpose in the objective public interest, and amounted to a vexatious use of FOIA. The Information Commissioner's decision was in accordance with the law and the appeal was dismissed.

Parties: Appellant: Thomas Bright; 1st Respondent: The Information Commissioner; 2nd Respondent: The Royal Borough of Greenwich
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 25 November 2024
Procedural Posture: Information Rights Appeal / Final Judgment on Appeal
Outcome: Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics: Vexatious Requests, Section 14(1) FOIA, Public Interest, Meta Requests, Burden on Public Authority

Freedom of Information Administrative Law Vexatious Requests Section 14(1) FOIA Public Interest Meta Requests Burden on Public Authority

Case Brief

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Parties

Thomas Bright

Appellant

The Information Commissioner

1st Respondent

The Royal Borough of Greenwich

2nd Respondent

Procedural Posture

Information Rights Appeal / Final Judgment on Appeal

Legal Issues

1 Whether the requests made by Mr Bright were vexatious under section 14(1) Freedom of Information Act 2000
2 Whether the Information Commissioner was correct to uphold the refusal by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to respond to the requests
3 Whether the requests had a serious purpose or value in the objective public interest

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed