Freedom of information

[LGR001]

I am trying to get some freedom of information from my local council regarding someone who keeps falsely reporting to me for contravening planning regulations. I have this matter resolved with the Council as I have the proof necessary. However, I would like to take this further and consult solicitors to stop this person bullying me using the Council as a cloak. Before I can do this I need to confirm that it is, indeed, who I believe is doing this in order to take the matter further. I have accessed the government website and followed the links to applying for freedom on information but then there is a drop down menu as I have to pick an "agent" and get very confused. Do I have to apply directly to the Council for this information or is there a governing body that does this on my behalf? Can anyone help please?

[Amethyst]

Re: Freedom of information

I don't believe freedom of information will help you obtain the details as to who it is that has been making false reports to the council. It might get you copies of the complaints but they are likely to be redacted of the persons details - you are only entitled to data that they hold about you. Preumably you have asked the council who has been making these reports and they have declined to say due to confidentiaity & data protection?

Just having a quick look this seems to be the standard

Complainant details will be held in confidence and will not be disclosed to any third parties including the owner/occupier of the site on which the alleged breach is occurring unless ordered to do so by the Court.

so you may need to make an application to the court for what is known as a Norwich Pharmacal Order to get the complainants information. See https://www.walkermorris.co.uk/publi...onsiderations/ for some info. I think as you are considering asking the court for an injunction against this person you would have grounds - although it may depend on how much hassle/stress/upset/cost the complaints have caused.

You'll likely need to involve your solicitor.

[LGR001]

Re: Freedom of information

Thank you. The Citizens Advice Bureau have supplied me with details of a solicitors practise that specialises in this sort of thing. Have checked out your Norwich Pharmacal Order which goes over my head a bit - will suggest it to the solicitor and see what he thinks. Thanks

[lgfa92]

Re: Freedom of information

Thank you. The Citizens Advice Bureau have supplied me with details of a solicitors practise that specialises in this sort of thing. Have checked out your Norwich Pharmacal Order which goes over my head a bit - will suggest it to the solicitor and see what he thinks. Thanks

It's basically an order to the council (the third party) to provide details of the complaint to you so that you can then take any legal action against the complaint. You would have to satisfy the court that the order was reasonable and appropriate but you would initially need to pay any legal costs involved in getting the order against the council.