ICO Upholds Westminster Council's Refusal of Information Request

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.