A COMPLAINT has been made to the Information Commissioner due to Powys County Council’s (PCC) failure to answer an FOI (Freedom of Information) request in the 20 day time frame.

The complaint has been made by the Local Democracy Service reporter, Elgan Hearn, over a number of questions that were first submitted to the PCC press office on April 29.

The press office passed the questions over to the Information Compliance Department for them to be dealt with as an FOI.

An answer was expected by May 30.

An apology was received, but no reply, giving the information or explaining why it’s exempt has been received yet.

Powys local democracy reporter, Elgan Hearn, said: “It’s very disappointing to have to resort to making an official complaint on this issue.

“This is affecting my work investigating a matter of public interest.

“I’ve never had problems with an FOI request like this before.

“I was told on May 30 and 31 that the information would arrive the following day, but I’m still waiting.”

Joe Wozencraft, information compliance officer, said: “We regret the delay you have experienced with this request.

“We acknowledge that Powys County Council has failed in its obligation under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to provide you with a response to your request within the statutory time-scale of 20 working days.

“Please accept our apologies for this and for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“We have continuously chased the service area for your requested information.”

The questions asked are:

  • During the last five years how many staff have been subject to disciplinary measures?
  • How many have been cleared of wrong doing?
  • How many have left PCC following the process?
  • How many have taken PCC to an employment tribunal?
  • How long does the disciplinary process take on average?
  • How many staff have been suspended on full or half pay?
  • How much has this cost PCC?
  • How many former members of staff have signed non-disclosure agreements?
  • Do staff who have been convicted in court get disciplined by PCC (obviously they received a community sentence or fine rather than jail time) following their appearance?