AC v Information Commissioner [2025] UKFTT 1281 (GRC) (03 November 2025)

AC v Information Commissioner [2025] UKFTT 1281 (GRC) (03 November 2025)

The single FOIA request was not manifestly unjustified, inappropriate, or improper; it had public value and serious purpose, and there was insufficient evidence of vexatiousness or improper motive. The School was not entitled to refuse the request under section 14 FOIA.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2025] UKFTT 1281 (GRC)
Parties
Appellant: AC; Respondent: Information Commissioner
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Judgment Date
03 November 2025
Procedural Posture
First Tier Tribunal (general Regulatory Chamber) Information Rights Appeal / Final Decision on Appeal, Decided Without a Hearing
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information, Vexatious Requests, Public Authority Duties, Disability Discrimination, School Expenditure Disclosure
Information Law Administrative Law Education Law Freedom of Information Vexatious Requests Public Authority Duties Disability Discrimination School Expenditure Disclosure

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Parties

AC

Appellant

Information Commissioner

Respondent

Procedural Posture

First Tier Tribunal (general Regulatory Chamber) Information Rights Appeal / Final Decision on Appeal, Decided Without a Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the FOIA request was vexatious under section 14
  2. 2 Whether the Information Commissioner's decision was in accordance with the law

Ratio Decidendi

The single FOIA request was not manifestly unjustified, inappropriate, or improper; it had public value and serious purpose, and there was insufficient evidence of vexatiousness or improper motive. The School was not entitled to refuse the request under section 14 FOIA.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Folkestone School for Girls must provide a fresh response to the Appellant's request for information dated 1 July 2024 without relying on section 14 FOIA, within 30 working days of receipt of this decision.
  • No disclosure or publication of information likely to identify AC or the protected third party, except to Folkestone School for Girls.