Dear Sir / Madam,

Freedom of Information Request Reference No:2017110000550

I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 14/11/2017.

DECISION

I have decided that, in accordance with Section 8 of the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (the Act), your enquiry is not considered a valid
request.

REASON FOR DECISION

A request under the Act is required by statute to include your name and an
address for correspondence.  As you have not provided your full name, I
have decided that the requirement outlined by Section 8(1)(b) has not been
met.

NB: Please see the below guidance and examples of valid names under the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act):

According to ICO guidance:

The use of the phrase "the name of the applicant" in section 8(1)(b)
indicates that the real name of the applicant should be used when
requesting information and not any other name, for example, a pseudonym.
Although one of the underlying principles of the FOIA is that the identity
of the applicant is not taken into account, it can be relevant in certain
circumstances. For example, when:
 a public authority has good reason to believe a requester is using a
pseudonym to shield his/her identity in order to avoid the possibility of
the request being considered as vexatious or repeated;

Therefore, we are of the view that it was the intention of the legislation
that an applicant should provide their real name so that the request can
be processed in accordance with the requirements of the FOIA.

The definition of "applicant" in section 84 of the FOIA adds weight to
this as the phrase in section 8(1)(b) should be read as " the name of the
person making the request". This also suggests that the use of a false or
fictitious name is not acceptable. Therefore, where a public authority
receives a request from a person using an obvious pseudonym, there is no
obligation to comply with the request; nor would it fall within the
jurisdiction of the Information Commissioner. If a public authority
chooses not to comply with the request it should, in keeping with its duty
under section 16, advise the applicant that the FOIA requires their real
name to be provided.

What constitutes a real name?
We consider that a relatively informal approach is also appropriate in
this context. Therefore, title and/or first name with surname satisfies
the requirement for provision of a real name, as does the use by a female
applicant of her maiden name. The prime consideration is whether enough of
a person's full name has been provided to give a reasonable indication of
that person's identity.

Example:
Mr Arthur Thomas Roberts could satisfy section 8(1)(b) of the FOIA by
stating his name in a request for information as "Arthur Roberts", "A. T.
Roberts", or "Mr Roberts", but not by stating his name as "Arthur" or
"A.T.R."

In the case of a company, it is not necessary to provide the full
registered name. It will be acceptable to provide another name which
exists as a real entity, such as a trading name. Similarly, a sole trader
could provide his or her real name or trading name.
In most cases, it will be reasonable for a real name to comprise a name by
which the person making the request is widely known and/or is regularly
used by that person and which is not an obvious pseudonym or fictitious
name.

In order for the MPS to proceed with your request you are required to
provide the information outlined above.  If for any reason you are unable
to do so, please contact me for assistance or seek assistance from any
other available source.

We will consider your resubmitted request upon receipt as long as it meets
the requirements stated above. You will receive a response within the
statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
contact us at [email address] quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

R. Loizou
Support Officer - Freedom of Information Triage Team
 
LEGAL ANNEX

Section 8(1) of the Act provides:

(1)         In this Act any reference to a "request for information" is a
reference to such a request which-

(a) is in writing,
(b) states the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence,
and
(c) describes the information requested.

(2)        For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a request is to be
treated as made in writing where the text of the request-

(a) is transmitted by electronic means,
(b) is received in legible form, and
(c) is capable of being used for subsequent reference.

 
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome to discuss the
response with the case officer who dealt with your request.  

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Information Rights Unit
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.

The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.ico.org.uk.  Alternatively, write to or
phone:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 0303 123 1113

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Find us at:

Facebook: Facebook.com/metpoliceuk

Twitter: @metpoliceuk

Dear D  Son

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2017120000082

I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 03/12/2017.  I note you seek
access to the following information:

* Dear Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), I would like to get the
figures on your expenditure on vehicles. 1. How much is the
Metropolitan Policw charged for their "response vehicles"? A whole
figure or seperste figure is acceptable? 2. Who is the current
supplier(s) for these vehicles? 3. How much cheaper or expensive was
the next supplier(s) that offered a deal? 4. Why was the current use
of vehicle chosen over the supplier(s)?

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (the Act).  You will receive a response within the
statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act.  

If you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please contact
us at [email address] or on the phone at 0207 161 3500, quoting the
reference number above. Should your enquiry relate to the logging or
allocations process we will be able to assist you directly and where your
enquiry relates to other matters (such as the status of the request) we
will be able to pass on a message and/or advise you of the relevant
contact details.

Yours sincerely

Peter Deja
Support Officer - Freedom of Information Triage Team
 
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome to discuss the
response with the case officer who dealt with your request.  

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Information Rights Unit
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.

The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.ico.org.uk.  Alternatively, write to or
phone:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 0303 123 1113

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Find us at:

Facebook: Facebook.com/metpoliceuk

Twitter: @metpoliceuk

Dear Mr/Ms Son

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2017120000082

I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 03/12/2017.  I note you seek
access to the following:

* I would like to get the figures on your expenditure on vehicles. 1.
How much is the Metropolitan Police charged for their "response
vehicles"? A whole figure or separate figure is acceptable? 2. Who is
the current supplier(s) for these vehicles? 3. How much cheaper or
expensive was the next supplier(s) that offered a deal? 4. Why was the
current use of vehicle chosen over other supplier(s)?

This is to inform you that the MPS are unable to proceed with your request
as we require further information from you.  Please accept my apologies
for coming to you about this so late, but due to administrative issues, I
have only just been allocated this case and contacted the information
owners.  They have asked me to clarify the following with you:

Can you please explain what you mean by "supplier"?  The Met buys vehicles
from car manufacturers but they are then converted into police cars, vans
etc. by an external company (equipment added, painted with MPS livery
etc.).  Both are involved before a response vehicle is accepted onto the
MPS fleet.  The vehicles are then maintained by a second external company.
 In other words, 3 companies are involved in the
purchase/creation/maintenance of a response vehicle.  Which aspect does
your request concern?  

After receiving your reply, your request will then be considered and you
will receive a response within the statutory timescale of 20 working days.

However, if the requested additional information has not been received by
22 January 2018 I will assume you no longer wish to proceed with this
request and will treat it as withdrawn.

Please submit your response to [email address] so this can be actioned
in the event of my absence.

Please also note, for your information, some of this information is likely
to be commercially sensitive and therefore subject to exemption.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely,

S. Stroud
Information Rights Unit
 
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome to discuss the
response with the case officer who dealt with your request.  

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Information Rights Unit
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.

The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.ico.org.uk.  Alternatively, write to or
phone:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 0303 123 1113

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Find us at:

Facebook: Facebook.com/metpoliceuk

Twitter: @metpoliceuk