Freedom of Information - Decision Notice

Also, we no longer provide information about Council Tax accounts for companies that currently have credit balances in response to Freedom of Information requests.

Information in respect of credit balances is considered exempt under section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (prevention or detection of crime)

We hold this information but believe that disclosure could result in fraudulent refund claims being made to us for these credit balances.

This follows a decision of the Information Commission dated 6 February 2017 in respect of a request made of Wandsworth Council in respect of a request for NNDR credit balances.

The decision can be read on the Information Commissioner's website.

Engaging section 31 requires a public interest test to be considered: there is a public interest in ensuring the transparency and efficiency of council business, but there is wider public interest.

In favour of withholding the information as it is in the public interest to prevent fraudulent refund claims being made against us, and the cost that such fraud places on the public purse.

On this basis, we feel that the public interest in disclosing the information requested is outweighed by the public interest in preventing the risk of fraudulent claims being made.