Antony Hook successfully represented a private client in a dispute with a local authority over the authority’s refusal to disclose certain information.
Following Mr Hook’s detailed written advocacy to the Information Commissioner’s Office, the ICO has ordered the local authority to disclose the requested information or potentially face contempt proceedings in the High Court.
The ICO agreed with Mr Hook’s submission that on a proper interpretation of the law, the council’s reliance on certain provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and GDPR to refuse disclosure was misconceived.
In particular, the authority was wrong in law to refuse disclosure of its recording of another organisation’s meeting, which it attended and provided officer support for, where the meeting concerned expenditure of public funds for purposes of a public nature. Mr Hook’s client was properly entitled to request the recording under the FOIA.
ICO also criticised the authority’s obstructive response to the request and now faces further engagement from the ICO about its responsibilities.
Mr Hook is available to be instructed in FOI or GDPR matters by solicitors or on a direct access basis by individuals, organisations or public bodies.
Antony’s full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/antony-hook/