Failed FOI request - how to follow up

[Iceflower]

Basically they have denied something which I know is true; what would be the best way to approach this, apart from saying "Oy, you're lying"!!!!!

Sorry can't provide link here, but happy to pm, as would be massively outed.

[willowthecat]

What grounds did they give for refusal - it has to be a reason provided for in statute not their own reason. But really all you can do is appeal to the Information Commissioner and ask for a review of the refusal and to rule whether it is a lawful refusal or not.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

How do you know it is true? Are other agencies involved who you could do a FOI to to disclose the information or at least show that it exists?

[Iceflower]

Thanks for the replies . I asked the respondents for specific reports from external agencies and they deny using any external agencies

I hold an example from one such agency.

[Sleepstarved]

Try FOI'ing for the exact document you have, precise title, date and everything.
Are you sure they commissioned it?

I've found organisations will go to all sorts of lengths to avoid documents getting into the public domain so be very precise about what you want.
They may be playing with a definition of 'external agency', saying another NHS or local authority does not count or something like that.
If they still deny it, you can complain to them and to the Information Commissioner.

[willowthecat]

I agree with sleepstarved They may be playing games with the idea of external. Pursue with a complaint