Decisions made by Public Interest Panel
Under the Freedom of Information Act any requests where a conditional exemption may be applicable is required to go to a Public Interest Test (PIT). A Public Interest Panel (PIP) sit to decide whether or not they feel the information should be released. Decisions of the panel are listed as follows:
FOI/638/2007 Details of intestate deaths
Request made for the name, last known address, date of birth, date of death and estimated size of estate for any persons who have died since June 2006 in the local authority area and whose details have been passed on to either the Treasury Solicitor, Duchy of Lancaster/Cornwall and the QLTR (in Scotland). All information released.
FOI/385/2006 Details of financial problems requested
A company requested financial details on the top three non statutory providers of services to people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. Section 43 (Commercial Interests) was considered, however, all information was released.
FOI/374/2006 Details of rival tender presentations requestedA company made a request to view various copies of tender presentations. Both Section 40 (Personal Data) and Section 43 (Commercial Interests) were considered. The majority of information was released. However, certain information was withheld under both Section 40 and Section 43.
FOI/84/2005 Information concerning a contract with an actuary
A requestor sought information on Staffordshire County Council's pension scheme. Some of the information requested related to a contract with an Actuary. PIP considered Section 41 (confidence), it was decided to withhold information falling within this exemption.
FOI/77/2005 Information relating to speed cameras
Information was requested about speed cameras. One question asked for information relating to speed. PIP considered Section 31 (law enforcement), and Section 38 (health and safety). It was decided to withhold this information but release everything else.
FOI/64/2005 Information re a local estate
A requestor wanted details on a local estate. Some of the information was considered in light of Section 41 (confidence). Information falling within this exemption was withheld.
FOI/46/2005 Information on phone masts
Information was requested on phone masts and site rental within the County. PIP considered section 41 (confidence), in relation to site rental. It was decided to withhold site rental details.
FOI/36/2005 Release of County Parish Holding Numbers
A requestor asked for County Parish Holding Numbers to be released. Advice was sought from DEFRA. PIP considered sections 31 (Law Enforcement), section 41 (confidence) and section 43 (commercial interests). Information was withheld under all of the above exemptions.
FOI/35/2005 Information relating to a public footpath
Information on a public footpath was requested, this information related to on going court proceedings. It was decided to release all information, apart from that to be used in court.
FOI/21/2005 Details of complaints to Trading Standards requested
Details were requested from trading standards relating to complaints they had received from a specific company. Section 43 (commercial interests) was considered, as was legal advice from trading standards. Common practice is to transfer such requests to the home authority (the council in which the factory is based). The request was transferred, and information released.
FOI/13/2005 Details of VIN numbers on Staffordshire County Council vehicles
Two requests were received requiring a list of Vehicle Identification Numbers from County Council Vehicles. Section 31 (law enforcement) was considered. It was decided to withhold the numbers.
FOI/10/2005 Details re Staffordshire County Council Pension Scheme
Applicant requested information relating to investments, performance figures, funds allocation and plans for future investment. Section 43 (Commercial interests) was considered by the PIP. It was decided to withhold the information.
Last Modified:
06/02/2008 12:22:50
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