ICO Upholds Westminster Council's Refusal of Information Request

ICO Decision Notices

Filed February 12th, 2026

Detected February 17th, 2026

Summary

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld Westminster City Council's decision to refuse an information request regarding electric charging units. The ICO found the Council was entitled to refuse the request under the 'manifestly unreasonable' exemption of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). No further steps are required from the Council.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice upholding Westminster City Council's refusal of an information request concerning electric charging units. The Council had cited regulation 12(4)(b) of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), which allows for refusal on the grounds of the request being 'manifestly unreasonable'. The Commissioner agreed with the Council's assessment and found they were entitled to refuse the request on this basis.

This decision means the Council is not required to provide the requested information, nor are any further steps mandated by the ICO. For public authorities, this reinforces the application of the 'manifestly unreasonable' exemption under the EIR when dealing with information requests that are deemed disproportionate or burdensome.

Source document (simplified)

Westminster City Council

Date 12 February 2026
Sector Local government
Decision(s) EIR 12(4)(b): Not upheld The complainant requested information in respect of a feeder pillar for two electric charging units at a specified location. Westminster City Council (the Council) refused the request on the basis of regulation 12(4)(b) (manifestly unreasonable) of the EIR. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was entitled to refuse the request on the basis of regulation 12(4)(b) of the EIR. The Commissioner does not require any steps.