Damian Hamill v The Information Commissioner

Facts

The applicant, Damian Hamill, made a subject access request to Denbighshire County Council and complained to the Information Commissioner about the Council's handling of it. The complaint was submitted on 3 April 2026. On 27 May 2026 the Commissioner wrote to the applicant explaining that, having considered the information provided against his published framework, he had decided not to undertake a more detailed investigation, having identified no significant harm, wider impact or broader data protection concern justifying further investigation, and would record the complaint for information purposes. The applicant requested a review on 28 May 2026, seeking a full investigation of the Council's actions. On 18 June 2026 the Commissioner maintained his decision, noting that the Council had responded giving reasons for withholding the information, including the rights of other individuals, confidentiality expectations and the potential for harm, and that he had not seen sufficient evidence that the Council's reliance on exemptions was clearly incorrect; he advised the applicant of his right to take the case to court and to complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The applicant applied to the Tribunal on form GRC3 dated 11 July 2026 under section 166(2) of the Data Protection Act 2018, asking it to direct the Commissioner to carry out a full investigation. The Commissioner applied on 10 August 2026 to strike out the application.