ICO reprimanded the organisation for a breach of regulation (delay in responding). Although correct, that was not my complaint. So, I have given them two stars for that initiative.I appealed to Tribunal about an ICO decision* that wrongly upheld a Freedom of Information Request denial. ICO asked the Tribunal to strike out the appeal, on the basis that it had no reasonable prospect of success. The case was not struck out. The Tribunal found that ICO neglected to follow its own guidance. Consequently, ICO failed to balance and explain reasoning regarding public interest versus the rights of the data subject (para20). The Tribunal also found ICO was “inappropriately dismissive” of the evidence presented (para21). The Tribunal overruled ICO’s decision** and the organisation provided the information accordingly.Holders of public office should act solely in the public interest, be objective, accountable, open, honest and show leadership by actively promoting and robustly supporting the Seven Principles of Public Life*** and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs. The ICO is incompetent or worse.It will be appreciated if ICO respond via Trustpilot to this review.*Google case ref ‘IC-190532-H2H8’ for details.**Google ‘find case law national archives’ – then on national archives webpage search for ‘UKFTT 843’.*** House of Commons usefully endorse and explain the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’
