What’s in a name?

Zaire's ex leader Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga or roughly translated, “the all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, will go from conquest to conquest leaving fire in his wake.”

Is it just me that is feeling nervous about the wobbly new reign of Commissioner Christopher Graham?

What cannot be denied is the speed of Decision Notices has increased, although many would say the collapse of the BBC case and a decline in the decisions’ general intellectual rigour has contributed to this acceleration.

But what worries me more – although many may say it is an inconsequential matter – is Mr Graham’s decision to give himself yet another title.

According to the BBC’s Open Secrets [link] blog Martin Rosenbaum reveals the Information Commissioner wants to be known as Chief Executive as well.

Why? What possible benefit will be derived by anybody in that he now will have TWO titles?

What does it do for morale of the staff who have to plough through a mountain of complaints on £20k/£30k per year when the £140,000 boss seems preoccupied in self-glorification?

You might have thought that if he so craved the Chief Executive moniker to go with the grandiose Information Commissioner title he could have had the decency to wait until he had got his ship on a steady course.

Charging issues clash with EIRs

EIRs apply to Land, Soil, Air and Fauna

It would appear that local authorities are in danger of losing a revenue stream thanks to the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).

The local searches conducted normally when a person moves house, to check on any planning issues relating to their prospective home, used to be a little money spinner for councils.

Now however, it would appear that the Information Commissioner has decided this material is covered by EIRs and that if a person makes a personal request for the data it should be free of charge.

This policy was backed up by guidance issued by the Commissioner [link] as well as a string of recent decision notices from East Riding [link], Tendring [link] and Liverpool [link].

In the Liverpool case the complaint was made by a company that gets hold of the information on a commercial basis.

The council rejected the company’s request to be allowed the information for free and the row was eventually settled by the Commissioner.

In his ruling he sides with the company and states that although he does not have the power to order it he suggest that the council refund the applicant’s £9.48.

However, it would seem that many local authorities are not entirely happy at the prospect of having to do land searches for free – under a 20-day deadline – for any Tom, Dick or Harry who happens to roll up at their offices.

It would appear Liverpudlians are now free to make an EIR request via computer terminals.