27 November (Part 1) - DPA. Don’t Provide Anything
A
little over 18 months ago year I submitted a Subject Access Request (SAR) to
Bexley council in an attempt to see who had authorised the attempt to get Bexley
police to charge me for repeating
something that first appeared on another blog.
I never did get a proper response. Bexley council claimed a legal exemption
because they had sought legal advice about me. The Information Commissioner
supported Bexley council although I was later advised that the exemption only
applies to legal advice bought in from an external source, not advice that
comes from a Bexley council officer who just happens to work in their legal
department. But there is not enough time to chase every bit of council dishonesty.
I have been sent more evidence of how Bexley council will routinely break the
Data Protection Act.
Someone who I don’t think knew what an SAR was merely asked for a copy of the
file Bexley council held on him. They were reluctant to comply with the law and
I believe some strong words may have been exchanged before they agreed to
provide what was required.
In the bundle of papers were these comments… “What he will be allowed to see” and “it
is unlikely he will get what he wants”. As a give away of what goes on behind
Bexley council’s doors it is a bit of an eye opener; though probably not as good as “in
case audit pick this up”.
Note: The memo is undated and I believe it is not very recent.