People very often suspect that authorities destroy (or temporarily
hide) 'incriminating' documents from their files, before giving
access. We get a lot of requests for advice from people who fear this.
Many are based on unfounded suspicion, but not all. There have been
cases of people who have been shown their file informally, and when
they later apply for them *formally* discover that papers that they
know exist have not been handed over.
I suspect something of this kind is behind the request to be present
when the file is being photocopied. If this person has made a series
of complaints, she may well fear that the authority will conceal any
evidence that supports her complaint.
This may be misguided, but it is probably a genuine fear - rather
than a sign of a 'mischievous, vexatious or frivolous' request.
Maurice Frankel
Campaign for Freedom of Information
At 11:41 am +0100 14/9/00, Paul Simpkins wrote:
>One of my Council's tenants was given access to her house file (material
>relating to her tenancy mostly on paper) four months ago and took some
>photocopies. She has just written back and asked for a photocopy of the
>whole file. She has also asked to inspect it again before/whilst it is being
>done.
>
>Is this a reasonable request? Has a reasonable period of time elapsed since
>her last access? Is this mischievous, vexatious or frivolous? There have
>been no significant additions to the file since the last access except for
>letters she has written to us. Should we allow this access which will take
>up considerable officer time and resources or can we turn her down. This
>tenant has made a significant number of complaints to many council
>departments on a broad range of issues.
>
>
>Data Protection Compliance Officer
>City of Bradford MDC
>01274-753500
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