Dean Wilson v The Information Commissioner

Facts

The applicant, Dean Wilson, submitted a subject access request to Lancashire Constabulary in March 2026. Dissatisfied with the way it was handled, he complained to the Information Commissioner on 6 May 2026, the complaint being dealt with under reference IC-511552-Y7L3. On 3 July 2026 the Commissioner wrote to say that, having considered the material in line with his published framework, he would not undertake a more detailed investigation or take further action, although he would record the complaint for information purposes given the difficulties Lancashire Constabulary was known to be experiencing in responding to requests and the recommendations being made to it; the applicant was advised of his right to take proceedings to court. On 6 August 2026, although no review had been requested, the Commissioner wrote again, acknowledging a delay by the force which may have exceeded the statutory timeframe and the impact on the applicant personally, but concluding that further regulatory action on his individual complaint was not proportionate, and advising him of his right to claim compensation in court and to complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The applicant applied to the First-tier Tribunal on form GRC3 dated 8 July 2026 under section 166(2) of the Data Protection Act 2018, seeking orders against both the Commissioner and the force. The Commissioner applied on form GRC5 dated 28 August 2026 to strike the application out.