Leeks v Information Commissioner & Anor [2023] UKFTT 298 (GRC) (06 March 2023)

Leeks v Information Commissioner & Anor [2023] UKFTT 298 (GRC) (06 March 2023)

The requested information, though statistical, is personal data as disclosure could identify individuals in a small team and reveal special category data (sexual orientation). Section 40(2) FOIA provides an absolute exemption where disclosure would breach data protection principles. There is no lawful basis for...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2023] UKFTT 298 (GRC)
Parties
Appellant: Mr. Jeffery Leeks; First Respondent: The Information Commissioner; Second Respondent: Financial Ombudsman Service
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Judgment Date
06 March 2023
Procedural Posture
FOIA Appeal / First Tier Tribunal Decision
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Freedom of Information, Personal Data, Special Category Data, Statistical Data Disclosure, Section 40(2) FOIA Exemption
Information Law Data Protection Freedom of Information Personal Data Special Category Data Statistical Data Disclosure Section 40(2) FOIA Exemption

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Parties

Mr. Jeffery Leeks

Appellant

The Information Commissioner

First Respondent

Financial Ombudsman Service

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

FOIA Appeal / First Tier Tribunal Decision

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the requested statistical data constitutes personal data under FOIA and DPA 2018
  2. 2 Whether disclosure would breach data protection principles under section 40(2) FOIA
  3. 3 Whether public interest considerations apply to an absolute exemption under section 40(2) FOIA

Ratio Decidendi

The requested information, though statistical, is personal data as disclosure could identify individuals in a small team and reveal special category data (sexual orientation). Section 40(2) FOIA provides an absolute exemption where disclosure would breach data protection principles. There is no lawful basis for disclosure, and public interest is irrelevant to the absolute exemption. The appeal is dismissed as there is no error of law in the Commissioner's decision.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed