Val Blake v The Information Commissioner

Val Blake v The Information Commissioner

Section 31(1)(a) FOIA exemption is engaged because disclosure of information about vacant properties is likely to prejudice the prevention and detection of crime; the public interest in preventing crime outweighs the public interest in transparency and bringing vacant properties into use.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Val Blake; Respondent: The Information Commissioner
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 September 2024
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information Act, Section 31 Exemption, Public Interest Test
Information Rights Administrative Law Freedom of Information Act Section 31 Exemption Public Interest Test

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Val Blake

Appellant

The Information Commissioner

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether section 31(1)(a) FOIA exemption is engaged for information about vacant properties
  2. 2 Whether public interest in disclosure outweighs public interest in preventing crime

Ratio Decidendi

Section 31(1)(a) FOIA exemption is engaged because disclosure of information about vacant properties is likely to prejudice the prevention and detection of crime; the public interest in preventing crime outweighs the public interest in transparency and bringing vacant properties into use.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Decision Notice IC-196429-S2X5 is upheld; no further steps required.