Billy Buckenham v The Information Commissioner & Anor

Facts

The appellant, Mr Billy Buckenham, made a request to East Lindsey District Council on 8 February 2024 under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for emails and related documents concerning the resignations of members of North Thoresby, Grainsby and Waithe Parish Council and communications involving council officers, councillors and others about the collapse of the parish council. Events in the early months of 2024 had led to the resignation of the majority of the parish councillors and the parish clerk, a loss of quorum and a large volume of complaints and counter-complaints. The Council disclosed some information but withheld the remainder; following internal review the appellant complained to the Information Commissioner, who by Decision Notice IC-312328-M6Q2 of 5 December 2024 held that the withheld material was exempt under section 31(1)(g) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, read with section 31(2)(a) and section 31(2)(b). The appellant appealed, contending throughout that there was no investigation capable of being prejudiced, that those concerned had become private citizens on resignation, and that the Council had mischaracterised its powers. The Tribunal, having listed the appeal on the papers in December 2025, joined the Council as Second Respondent and directed further evidence about whether any investigations existed. It determined the appeal on the papers, with closed material before it under a Rule 14 direction.