FOI Cost Limit Refusal Not Upheld - Middleton Cheney Parish Council

The ICO issued a Decision Notice finding that Middleton Cheney Parish Council was entitled to refuse an information request relating to the Middleton Cheney Playing Fields Association, citing section 12(1) of FOIA (cost limit exemption). The Commissioner determined the Council properly applied the cost limit provision and adequately discharged its duty under section 16 of FOIA to provide advice and assistance to the requester.\n\nThe decision is final and binding on the Council. Public authorities subject to FOIA obligations should note that cost limit refusals will be upheld where properly applied, provided the authority offers appropriate guidance to requesters on alternative means of obtaining information.