Northern Ireland Housing Executive FOI Scandal?

Since its introduction, the Freedom of Information Act has been a thorn in the side of most government departments and public bodies. Some have suggested new restrictions or an application fee in an attempt to stop you the public gaining access to their information or scrutinizing their work.



The Information Commissioner has received many complaints regarding the act from bodies wishing to withhold information and from others seeking access.



In all the requests undertaken by this site, we have never come across a public body forcing someone into a Freedom of Information Request, yet the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is such a body.



The scandal behind this attempt, which the Information Commissioner's Office has voiced concern over and invited a complaint be lodged, is that the organisation has attempted to force a normal everyday communication down the FOI route. At the time of publishing this article the NI Housing Executive had not responded to communications from the individual concerned, communications in which their behaviour is challenged, so we are unaware of the motives behind such strange conduct. Is it justifiable, is it inefficiency, arrogance, ignorance or is it an attempt to cause delay or detriment to a lawful user of their service, we just don't know but when we find out we'll let you know.



So, you're wondering what type of information was so important that the NIHE wanted to use the FOI, well the individual had the 'audacity' to request clarification on information provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in an email to them. The NIHE having started the conversation, simply forwarded the communication without notice for progression under the FOI.



As the email from the Housing Executive was copied to another NIHE member of staff, they were asked why this staff member was copied into a personal communication and what was there grade within the NI Housing Executive? Answer, this question will be responded to subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.



The question for the NIHE is what motivated them to treat an individual with whom they have a legal relationship in this way. Having already provided the name, in the email, of the member of staff copied in, what information was now subject to the Freedom of Information Act, their grade or reason they had been copied in?



What is your view of this extraordinary behaviour - do you have similar experiences, if so let us know?



Our view at Simply Belfast is that it is time for the NIHE management to be held to account across a range of issues. It is our view that the NIHE have crossed lines. Perhaps it is time for the public to lobby for penalties within the Freedom of Information Act that would lead to financial and custodial sentences should public bodies misuse or abuse the FOIA 2000.