Durham County Council

The complainant requested a copy of a report into home to school Transport Service undertaken in 2021, together with associated emails and background information relating to this. Durham County Council (“the council”) applied sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (ii), and 36(2)(c) of FOIA to refuse the request (prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs). The Commissioner’s decision is that the council was correct to apply the exemptions cited to withhold the report. However, it has not responded to the request for emails and background information under the complainant's rights under FOIA. The Commissioner requires the council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. To respond to the request for emails and background information as required by section 1 of FOIA.