Vexatious: Difference between revisions

From FOIwiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary
(6 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
* Section 14(1) or (2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 for vexatious or repeated requests
* Section 14(1) or (2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 for vexatious or repeated requests
http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/ScottishPublicAuthorities/RespondingtoaRequest/InformationResponseStep5.asp and http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/Law/FOISA-EIRsGuidance/Section14/Section14Overview.asp
http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/ScottishPublicAuthorities/RespondingtoaRequest/InformationResponseStep5.asp and http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/Law/FOISA-EIRsGuidance/Section14/Section14Overview.asp
* Environmental Information Regulations have provisions for refusing to answer "manifestly unreasonable" requests which are equivalent.
* Environmental Information Regulations have provisions for refusing to answer "manifestly unreasonable" requests which could be regarded as equivalent.
* In Scotland these are regulations 10(4)(b) & (c): Scottish public authorities may refuse requests for environmental information that are manifestly unreasonable, while regulation 10(4)(c) justifies refusal where requests are formulated in too general a manner.
* In Scotland these are regulations 10(4)(b) & (c): Scottish public authorities may refuse requests for environmental information that are manifestly unreasonable, while regulation 10(4)(c) justifies refusal where requests are formulated in too general a manner.
* In the rest of the UK, this is regulation 12(4)(b) - "[where] the request for information is manifestly unreasonable;" http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/opengov/eir/guidance/full-guidance/pdf/guidance-7.pdf
* In the rest of the UK, this is regulation 12(4)(b) - "[where] the request for information is manifestly unreasonable;" http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/opengov/eir/guidance/full-guidance/pdf/guidance-7.pdf
Line 33: Line 33:
* Relevant Information Tribunal cases: all appeals on Section 14 have been dismissed, including this one under EIR:
* Relevant Information Tribunal cases: all appeals on Section 14 have been dismissed, including this one under EIR:
:: * http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i271/Carpenter%20v%20IC%20(EA-2008-0046)%20Decision%2017-11-08.pdf
:: * http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i271/Carpenter%20v%20IC%20(EA-2008-0046)%20Decision%2017-11-08.pdf
== ICO Lines To Take ==
{{LTTInfoBox|exemption=FOI 14}}


== Vexatious, repeated (FOISA) or unreasonable requests (EIRS) in Scotland ==
== Vexatious, repeated (FOISA) or unreasonable requests (EIRS) in Scotland ==
Line 49: Line 54:
== Section 14 appeal stats for ICO & IT ==
== Section 14 appeal stats for ICO & IT ==


:*Appeal to the Information Commissioner was succesful in the following cases.  Links to relevant appeals at the Information Tribunal are provided with the results.
:*Appeal to the Information Commissioner was succesful in the following cases.  Links to relevant appeals at the Information Tribunal are provided with the results.  Items are listed as V or R for Vexatious s.14(1) or Repeated s.14(2).
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50086598.pdf FS50086598] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/MrEAlcockvInformationCommissioner3Jan07.pdf EA/2006/0010] no effect on IC decision, didn't consider s14
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50086598.pdf FS50086598] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/MrEAlcockvInformationCommissioner3Jan07.pdf EA/2006/0010] no effect on IC decision, didn't consider s14
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50075947.pdf FS50075947]  
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50075947.pdf FS50075947]  
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50089367.pdf FS50089367]
::*R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50089367.pdf FS50089367]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50087366.pdf FS50087366]
::*V+R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50087366.pdf FS50087366]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50117259.pdf FS50117259]
::*R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50117259.pdf FS50117259]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50109184.pdf FS50109184]
::*V+R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50109184.pdf FS50109184]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50135471.pdf FS50135471]
::*V+R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50135471.pdf FS50135471]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/dn_fs_50120313.pdf FS50120313]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/dn_fs_50120313.pdf FS50120313]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50144286.pdf FS50144286]
::*V+R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50144286.pdf FS50144286]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50147950.pdf FS50147950] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/BillingsDecisionFinal_0076_website.pdf EA/2007/0076] no effect on IC decision, didn't consider s14
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50147950.pdf FS50147950] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/BillingsDecisionFinal_0076_website.pdf EA/2007/0076] no effect on IC decision, didn't consider s14
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50112042.pdf FS50112042]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50112042.pdf FS50112042]
:*Appeal to the Information Commissioner was unsuccesful in the following cases. Links to relevant appeals at the Information Tribunal are provided with the results.
::*V: These were 4 similar decision notices relating to the same requester & authority, and they also covered EIR 12(4)(b):  [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50176016.pdf FS50176016] | [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50176942.pdf FS50176942] | [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50187763.pdf FS50187763] | [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50190235.pdf FS50190235]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50078594.pdf FS50078594]
 
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50069395.pdf FS50069395]
 
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50099691.pdf FS50099691]
:*Appeal to the Information Commissioner was unsuccesful in the following cases. Links to relevant appeals at the Information Tribunal are provided with the results. Items are listed as V or R for Vexatious s.14(1) or Repeated s.14(2).
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50099755.pdf FS50099755]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50078594.pdf FS50078594]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50085398.pdf FS50085398]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50069395.pdf FS50069395]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/fs50130467_dn_redacted001.pdf FS50130467]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50099691.pdf FS50099691]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50102437.pdf FS50102437] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/mrrabrownvinforcommandnationarchives_02Oct07.pdf EA/2006/0088] - s14 appeal succesful
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50099755.pdf FS50099755]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50105213.pdf FS50105213]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50085398.pdf FS50085398]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50110741.pdf FS50110741]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/fs50130467_dn_redacted001.pdf FS50130467]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50086298.pdf FS50086298] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/mrifitzsimmonsVinforComm_11Oct07.pdf EA/2007/0050] - no effect on IC decision - didn't cover s14
::*R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50102437.pdf FS50102437] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/mrrabrownvinforcommandnationarchives_02Oct07.pdf EA/2006/0088] - s14 appeal succesful
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50125496.soc.pdf FS50125496] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i133/Hossak.pdf EA/2007/0024] - s14 appeal failed
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2006/decision_notice_fs50105213.pdf FS50105213]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50134560.pdf FS50134560]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50110741.pdf FS50110741]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/decision_notice_fs50090632.pdf FS50090632]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50086298.pdf FS50086298] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/mrifitzsimmonsVinforComm_11Oct07.pdf EA/2007/0050] - no effect on IC decision - didn't cover s14
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50170171.pdf FS50170171] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/JWelsh_v_InforCommissioner.pdf EA/2007/0088] - s14 appeal failed
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50125496.soc.pdf FS50125496] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i133/Hossak.pdf EA/2007/0024] - s14 appeal failed
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50170245.pdf FS50170245]
::*R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50134560.pdf FS50134560]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50154484.pdf FS50154484]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/decision_notice_fs50090632.pdf FS50090632]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50154968.pdf FS50154968] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/bettsdecisionforpromulgation%20website(0109).pdf EA/2007/0109] - s14 appeal failed
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50170171.pdf FS50170171] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/JWelsh_v_InforCommissioner.pdf EA/2007/0088] - s14 appeal failed
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50122016.pdf FS50122016] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/Determination_Gowers_Final_website_updated.pdf EA/2007/0114] - s14 appeal failed
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50170245.pdf FS50170245]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50169994.pdf FS50169994] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/RHCogginsvICOEA_2007_0130_Finaldecisionwebsite.pdf EA/2007/0130] - s14 appeal failed
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50154484.pdf FS50154484]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50151851.pdf FS50151851]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50154968.pdf FS50154968] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/bettsdecisionforpromulgation%20website(0109).pdf EA/2007/0109] - s14 appeal failed
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50163359.pdf FS50163359]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50122016.pdf FS50122016] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/Determination_Gowers_Final_website_updated.pdf EA/2007/0114] - s14 appeal failed
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50180689.pdf FS50180689]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2007/fs_50169994.pdf FS50169994] - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Documents/decisions/RHCogginsvICOEA_2007_0130_Finaldecisionwebsite.pdf EA/2007/0130] - s14 appeal failed
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50157445.pdf FS50157445]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50151851.pdf FS50151851]
::*[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50160725.pdf FS50160725]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50163359.pdf FS50163359]
:<small>Information correct as at 6 April 2009, source from [http://www.ico.gov.uk/tools_and_resources/decision_notices.aspx] and [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Public/search.aspx]</small>
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50180689.pdf FS50180689]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50157445.pdf FS50157445]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fer_0169710.pdf FER0169710] - covered under EIR 12(4)(b). Information Tribunal appeal unsuccessful - [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i271/Carpenter%20v%20IC%20%28EA-2008-0046%29%20Decision%2017-11-08.pdf EA/2008/0046]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fer_0230659.pdf FER0230659] - covered under EIR 12(4)(b).
::*V+R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2008/fs_50160725.pdf FS50160725]
::*V+R: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50222404.pdf FS50222404] - This decision notice is currently under appeal to the Information Tribunal.
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50148542.pdf FS50148542]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50194514.pdf FS50194514]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50234236.pdf FS50234236] - all correspondence for this request was made via [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/ WhatDoTheyKnow]:  [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/social_services link]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50201096.pdf FS50201096]
::*V: [http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/decisionnotices/2009/fs_50238979.pdf FS50238979] - all correspondence for this request was made via [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/ WhatDoTheyKnow]:  [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/council_functions_34 link]
 
:<small>Information correct as at 11 July 2009, source from [http://www.ico.gov.uk/tools_and_resources/decision_notices.aspx] and [http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/Public/search.aspx]</small>
 
==External resources==
*[http://www.foiman.com/archives/767 FOI Man on Section 14]

Revision as of 17:16, 10 March 2013

Vexatious and Repeated Requests

Relevant legislation sections:

  • Section 14(1) or (2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for vexatious or repeated requests
  • Section 14(1) or (2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 for vexatious or repeated requests

http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/ScottishPublicAuthorities/RespondingtoaRequest/InformationResponseStep5.asp and http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/Law/FOISA-EIRsGuidance/Section14/Section14Overview.asp

  • Environmental Information Regulations have provisions for refusing to answer "manifestly unreasonable" requests which could be regarded as equivalent.
  • In Scotland these are regulations 10(4)(b) & (c): Scottish public authorities may refuse requests for environmental information that are manifestly unreasonable, while regulation 10(4)(c) justifies refusal where requests are formulated in too general a manner.
  • In the rest of the UK, this is regulation 12(4)(b) - "[where] the request for information is manifestly unreasonable;" http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/opengov/eir/guidance/full-guidance/pdf/guidance-7.pdf
  • Regulation 12(4)(b) of the EIR is also used as an exemption for the that would usually exceed the approved limits in terms of cost of information retrieval.

Vexatious, repeated (FOIA) or unreasonable requests (EIR) for English / Welsh / N.Ireland authorities

  • The 5 following points from Awareness Guidance 22 should be used by authorities in determining if a request is to be treated as vexatious under 14(1). You should try to avoid asking questions that could be considered as falling under these categories.
- Could the request fairly be seen as obsessive?
- Is the request harassing the authority or causing distress to staff?
- Would complying with the request impose a significant burden?
- Is the request designed to cause disruption or annoyance?
- Does the request lack any serious purpose or value?
  • Relevant Information Commissioner decision notices:
  • Relevant Information Tribunal cases: all appeals on Section 14 have been dismissed, including this one under EIR:
* http://www.informationtribunal.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i271/Carpenter%20v%20IC%20(EA-2008-0046)%20Decision%2017-11-08.pdf


ICO Lines To Take

Relevant Lines to Take
  • LTT192 - Rejecting procedural exemptions / exceptions - 18/01/2011
  • LTT123 - Vexatious requests - 13/09/2010
  • LTT120 - Advice and assistance - erroneous reliance on s14 or derogation - 23/02/2008
  • LTT65 - Vexatious request for published information - 08/07/2007


Vexatious, repeated (FOISA) or unreasonable requests (EIRS) in Scotland

  • Relevant Scottish Information Commissioner Decisions:
  • Whether the request has already been rejected on appeal to the Commissioner and the applicant knows this;
  • Whether there has been unreasonable refusal or failure to identify sufficiently clearly the information required;
  • Whether there has been unreasonable refusal or failure to accept documented evidence that the information is not held;
  • Whether the request can be shown to be clearly intended to disrupt the authority’s work rather than for the purpose of obtaining information.
  • "In considering what is manifestly unreasonable or manifestly disproportionate (which may be relevant considerations in determining whether a request is vexatious), it will sometimes be necessary to consider the effect of dealing with the request on a public authority. I have always made it clear that public authorities wishing to rely on the provision contained in section 14(1) must be able to show that the request – and not the person making the request – is vexatious. Even if an applicant does not intend a request to be vexatious, however, it is possible that dealing with that request will impose a burden on a public authority that by any objective standard would be considered manifestly unreasonable or manifestly disproportionate. The nature and effect of the request, rather than the intentions of the applicant, must therefore be taken into account in appropriate cases."

Section 14 appeal stats for ICO & IT

  • Appeal to the Information Commissioner was succesful in the following cases. Links to relevant appeals at the Information Tribunal are provided with the results. Items are listed as V or R for Vexatious s.14(1) or Repeated s.14(2).


  • Appeal to the Information Commissioner was unsuccesful in the following cases. Links to relevant appeals at the Information Tribunal are provided with the results. Items are listed as V or R for Vexatious s.14(1) or Repeated s.14(2).
Information correct as at 11 July 2009, source from [1] and [2]

External resources