The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice (Case Ref: IC-472382-F1W0) concerning Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. The complainant requested information related to patient safety and clinical risk. The Health Board refused the request under section 12(1) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) due to the cost of compliance. The ICO has upheld the Health Board's decision, finding that they were entitled to rely on this exemption. Additionally, the ICO determined that the Health Board fulfilled its duty under section 16 of FOIA to provide advice and assistance at the time of its internal review.

This decision means no further action is required from the Health Board regarding this specific request. For other public sector bodies, this reinforces the ICO's stance on the application of the cost of compliance exemption when requests exceed the statutory time and cost limits. Compliance officers should ensure their internal processes for assessing FOI requests and applying exemptions are robust and well-documented, particularly regarding the provision of advice and assistance.