Insights / News
Insights / News
The case, heard in December, arose after the appellant (SLL) sought information outside the usual statutory channels from HMLR about registered properties. Those channels carry a standard charge. SLL sought the information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) instead: a strategy which – if successful – could have undermined the statutory charging structure and compelled HMLR to supply large amounts of information for free.
HMLR acknowledged that problems in some of its processes meant that there had been delays in providing information through the statutory channels and apologised for them, but nonetheless refused SLL’s requests. SLL complained to the Information Commissioner (the IC), which agreed with HMLR’s decision. SLL duly appealed to the FTT.
At the hearing (at which the IC did not appear), Jeremy argued that SLL’s case failed on three main bases:
The FTT agreed with Jeremy’s submissions, rejecting all five grounds on which SLL had brought its appeal. The outcome protected HMLR from the risk that FoIA requests could provide a form of “back door” to getting information for which the 2003 Act and its rules normally allowed a charge to be made, at significant cost in both resources and public funds.
Jeremy specialises in information law matters and business crime, regulatory and sanctions work, as well as health & safety and connected commercial matters. He appears in courts and tribunals at all levels across the civil, criminal and regulatory jurisdictions, both led and unled. He advises regulators, government departments, corporates and individuals across these areas.
To find out more about Jeremy, contact Andy Hunter on +44 (0)20 7427 4905 for a confidential discussion.
News 20 Jan, 2025