Dear Mr MacLean

Re: FOI282376 Freedom of Information Request

I acknowledge the receipt of your e-mail request that was received on 30 June 2008, concerning total expenditure within Swindon Borough Council on `Common Purpose` courses during the years 1997 to date and a copy of the related invoices.

After investigating your request, I can confirm that one payment was made to a company called 'Common Purpose Charitable Trust'. The invoice number for this was 14010 and the description on the invoice is '1998/99 Common Purpose Programme'. This was paid in November 1998 for a total of £352.50.

Due to audit requirements and the Council's Retention and Disposal Policy, invoices are only to be kept for 6 years plus current, so we do not hold a copy of this that we are able to provide you.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request or wish us to review our decision you should contact:

Customer Services

Civic Offices

Euclid Street

Swindon

Website: xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx

You may also apply direct to the Information commissioner's Office for a decision before contacting the Council. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the Council's own complaints procedure first.

The Information Officer can be contacted at:

The Information Commissioner's Office,

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

If you require any further information concerning this matter please contact me quoting the reference number at the top of the of the letter.

Yours faithfully,

Holly Hazell

Freedom of Information Officer

Stephen P. Taylor M.A (Oxon), Solicitor

Director of Law and Democratic Services