Friday 4 November 2011

Barnet Council FOI response reveals attempt to harrass blogger via ICO

The following is a response to an FOI request from Barnet Council. Below are SCRIBD links to the attached PDF documents. Apologies for the difficult to follow format, courtesy of Barnet Council. Council Officers details redacted to spare his blushes. The meat is in the attachments.
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Dear Mr Tichborne

Request for Information under FOIA

I am writing in respect of your recent enquiry for information held by Barnet Council under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. I apologise for not responding within 20 days.

In response to your questions:

1. Please detail the number of staff (specify full time, part time, contract, temp) employed by Barnet Council who's job description includes the task of monitoring blogs.

None.

2. Please supply all council reports which specifically mention blogs and bloggers produced since 1st Feb 2011.


3. Please supply any other council communications (redacted if necessary) which refer to blogs or bloggers, sent to entities other than private individuals (ie sent to companies, law firms, media firms etc).

Please find attached redacted correspondence between the council and the ICO in regards to one blogger and the use of personal information. The council has redacted any information that could identify individuals within this correspondence.

4. Please supply a full list of any companies engaged by Barnet Council since 1st Feb who's terms of engagement include :-

a) improving the public image of Barnet Council
b) managing the image of Barnet Council
c) Corporate rebranding of Barnet Council

No companies have been engaged since 1 February 2011 for these purposes. It is the responsibility of the council’s corporate communications unit to manage the image of the council.


We trust this satisfies your request.

If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can request a review by writing to the FOI Officer at: The London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP (email foi.act@barnet.gov.uk).

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at: The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF (telephone: 08456 306060 or 01625 545745; website: www.ico.gov.uk).

There is no charge for making an appeal.

Yours sincerely


J********* S*******
Internal Communications Manager
Chief Executive's Service London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1NP Tel: 020 8359 7*** Mobile: 07931 4*****
Barnet Online: www.barnet.gov.uk
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Complaint Form to Ico

Complaint Form to Ico2

Complaint Form to Ico3

Email From Council

Ico Response

ico response1