Andrew Dismore

Dear editor,

Your front page article on Barnet’s inability to protect properly confidential material is in sharp contrast with their inability to respond to freedom of information requests properly on time or at all. Indeed, I have just presented a complaint to the Information Commissioner about the failure of the Conservative Council to respond to a request I sent them as long ago as 27th May.

On 21st July, after my reminder, I was told “We are searching our records and will be in a position to respond early next week”. After further reminders, on 3rd August I was told “I shall treat this request with high priority and come back to you over the next day or so.” Needless to say they didn’t and the request is still unanswered.

On 10th July I wrote with a further FoI request asking for details of parking policy issues. I haven’t even received an acknowledgment, despite reminders, and the statutory time for compliance has already expired. I understand that other people seeking similar information have requests outstanding even longer. Bloggers tell me the problem is endemic throughout the administration of Barnet.

Yet again, Barnet seems to regard its residents’ rights as an inconvenience to be ignored, when the outcome may be embarrassing to them.

How can they on the one hand let loose all sorts of private information when no-one requests it in the cavalier way they do, and on the other fail to meet their legal duties to provide information when asked?

Only in Tory Barnet!

Yours sincerely

Andrew Dismore

Labour London Assembly candidate for Barnet and Camden