Privy Council Office (Re), 2020 OIC 13
The complainant alleged that the Privy Council Office (PCO) failed to respond to an access request for minutes of the Joint Intelligence Committee from 1968 within the statutory time limits. PCO claimed an extension for consultations, but when other institutions did not respond, PCO closed the file based on its "no late file" policy. The OIC found that the Act does not permit PCO to fail to respond due to unreceived recommendations and determined PCO was in deemed refusal.
- Timeliness of response to access request
- Proper application of time extension provisions
- PCO's "no late file" policy in relation to the Act
Complaint well founded
The Information Commissioner found that the Privy Council Office improperly failed to respond to the access request within the time limits set by the Act, and that its "no late file" policy was not authorized.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The Information Commissioner recommended that PCO respond to the access request and revise its "no late file" policy to comply with the Act. PCO committed to responding by December 17, 2020, and revoked its policy.
- s.10(3) ATIA
This is an informational summary and not legal advice.