ICO Decision: Bedford Borough Council FOI Request

ICO Decision Notices

Filed March 12th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The ICO has issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request made to Bedford Borough Council. The Council correctly withheld information under FOI 40(2) but was found to have breached notice requirements under FOI 17(1)(b). No further action is required.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ruled on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning Bedford Borough Council's housing of individuals in private properties. The ICO determined that the Council correctly applied FOI section 40(2) to withhold personal information about third parties. However, the decision also recorded a breach of FOI section 17(1)(b) concerning the council's notice requirements.

While the Council's decision to withhold information was upheld, the breach of notice requirements indicates a procedural failing. The ICO has not mandated any further steps, suggesting the breach was minor and has been rectified or does not warrant additional action. This decision serves as a reminder to local government bodies regarding their obligations under FOI legislation, particularly concerning third-party data and procedural notices.

Source document (simplified)

Bedford Borough Council

Date 12 March 2026
Sector Local government
Decision(s) FOI 40(2): Not upheld, FOI 17(1)(b): Upheld The complainant has requested information about the number of individuals housed in a private property by Bedford Borough Council (the council). The council relied on section 40(2) of FOIA (third party personal information) to withhold the information. The Commissioner’s decision is that the council has correctly relied on section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold the information. However, the Commissioner has recorded a breach of section 17(1)(b) of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.