Subject Access Request

[Mrsmoneyworries]

I've recently received my (very small) bundle back from my Subject Access Request from the Local Authority. There's clearly numerous things left out.

I've contacted the data person in charge of collating all the info together, but he's now telling me I need to tell him what specifically is missing - surely if I do that, they'll just leave other things out?

I was very detailed in my initial request so there was no room for errors, on their part.

How should I respond to them now?

Tell the LA that you are exercising your right to view the files. Agree a time and then go in with your list and talk to the Data Access Officer in person. There might have been some misunderstanding in what you requested. Most Data Officers are helpful. Failing that you will need to do a formal complaint to the ICO.

The trouble is that the access staff dont always understand what you are after, or maybe they get leaned on I dont know.

I asked the one responsible for our stuff to get off her chair and walk to the data analysts office down the corridor and ask for the data that we wanted!!

We had waited 100 days by this point and had had many, many phone and email conversations!

I received the school improvement data I had been waiting for within 10 minutes of this call!!

Keep on going, you will get what you need eventually!!

Nigel1, Thank you, but there definitely wasn't any confusion what I was asking for. I was very clear and detailed. I'm also within a timeframe to appeal their decision also. So I'm under no illusion they're making me work very hard for the information.

Thanks Ineed, it's very frustrating that they want me to be even more specific. I named departments etc. I practically did the work for them. They just had to supply it.

I honestly don't know how to re-word it as there was more left out and if I don't word it right I know they'll do the same again.

It is not accidental nor unexpected. We had exactly the same problem with our LA. Like you they asked us to name what was missing and gave us just that and even then barely. We did complain to the person who was the data controller (think that was what he was called) who was also head of legal but ultimately much was still missing.

I've had an email back, saying I need to tell them exactly what is missing eg email between x and x on x date.

IF I KNEW THAT INFO, I'D PROBABLY HAVE A COPY OF THE ACTIAL EMAIL!!!!!

Sorry for the caps, I'm mightily annoyed.

Im sure that what you wrote was clear, the question was did the LA want to read it? Did you specify which departments you wanted them to search and between what dates, did you specify electronic communications as well?

Yes, I did. I put all departments, sub-depts (when appropriate), dates, etc etc there was no room for misunderstanding. I made sure of that as I'm in this time frame.

They're saying they can supply the info if I give specific dates internal emails were sent, but if I can't give precise details then nothing else will turn up. That says it all.

I'd suggest you go back to the Data person and say that obviously you can't tell them what is missing, but giving your reasons for saying that things clearly are missing and spelling out again what you need. If necessary, point out that if documents aren't in the files he needs to search email boxes and electronic files. If he's still awkward about it, tell him you'll have to take it to the Information Commissioner.