Street tree planting, last five years
Dear Merton Borough Council,
This request relates to street trees and the following planting seasons:
Autumn 2023 / spring 2024
Autumn 2022 / spring 2023
Autumn 2021 / spring 2022
Autumn 2020 / spring 2021
Autumn 2019 / spring 2020
For each of these planting seasons, please provide:
- a list of every street tree planted including name and postcode of street, type of tree planted, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others).
- a list every request made for a street tree, including name and postcode of street, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others)
- if more street trees were requested than planted, an explanation of how decisions on where to plant were made - including who made the decisions, what was the process, were councillors involved as well as officers?
Please provide this information in an open data format - spreasheets and documents, not PDFs.
Yours faithfully,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
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retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
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(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
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should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
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Dear Sandra Vogel
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUEST
We have now considered your request for information as set out in your email below.
For each of these planting seasons, please provide:
- a list of every street tree planted including name and postcode of street, type of tree planted, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others).
- a list every request made for a street tree, including name and postcode of street, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others)
- if more street trees were requested than planted, an explanation of how decisions on where to plant were made - including who made the decisions, what was the process, were councillors involved as well as officers?
The information requested will not be disclosed and in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 this is a Refusal Notice.
Unfortunately we cannot provide this information because it would exceed the time limit for requests, which is 18 hours (as stated in the Freedom of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations 2004). This is because the information is not recorded in a way that would allow an electronic search to be run. As such a manual search would be required of every individual record to locate the information requested. Therefore, the information requested is exempt under Section 12 of the Act, which is that the cost of compliance exceeds the appropriate limit.
Please consider refining your request so that it can be answered within the time limit. You could do this by reducing the time frame of your request or limiting your request to specific roads/areas. Please be aware that this does not guarantee a response can be provided within the appropriate limit.
If you have any queries or concerns about this please contact me.
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request or wish to appeal against the decision to exempt any part of your request, you should request an Internal Review at [Merton Borough Council request email] or write in to Freedom of Information team, Merton Council, Civic Centre, Morden, SM4 5DX.
If you escalate to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) without following the council’s internal review process, the ICO will refer you back to the council to enable the correct process to be followed.
You can also appeal to the Information Commissioner at: https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/offi...
There is no charge for making an appeal.
Kind regards
Michael Cook
Michael Cook
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Team
Merton Council
www.merton.gov.uk
Dear foi,
Is the main cause of your difficulty the part of my request that is "- if more street trees were requested than planted, an explanation of how decisions on where to plant were made - including who made the decisions, what was the process, were councillors involved as well as officers?"
If that is the case I will remove that part of the request, and just ask for, for each of the planting seasons I have listed:
- a list of every street tree planted including name and postcode of street, type of tree planted, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others).
- a list every request made for a street tree, including name and postcode of street, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others)
If there are particular data elements in this request that are still difficult for you to provide within the time limit, can you tell me what they are, so that I can refine my request further?
Yours sincerely,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please help to reduce waste and do not print this message unless you
really need to.
This message, including any attached files, is intended just for the use
of the individual or organisation to whom it is addressed. Unauthorised
use (for example disclosure, storage or copying) is not permitted. If you
are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies and inform the
sender by return email. Any views or opinions expressed in email are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
Merton Council. Merton Council reserves the right to monitor, record and
retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
use. Email monitoring and/or blocking software may be used and email
content may be read. Merton Council may be required to disclose this email
(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
message may contain information that is confidential or sensitive; you
should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
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1. http://www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Dear Merton Borough Council,
I emailed you to offer a request on this topic that I hope will cut down the time it will take for you to provide the information on 11 March.
Could you please let me know if this is in progress now?
Yours faithfully,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please help to reduce waste and do not print this message unless you
really need to.
This message, including any attached files, is intended just for the use
of the individual or organisation to whom it is addressed. Unauthorised
use (for example disclosure, storage or copying) is not permitted. If you
are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies and inform the
sender by return email. Any views or opinions expressed in email are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
Merton Council. Merton Council reserves the right to monitor, record and
retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
use. Email monitoring and/or blocking software may be used and email
content may be read. Merton Council may be required to disclose this email
(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
message may contain information that is confidential or sensitive; you
should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Dear Merton Borough Council,
This is a prompt for a response to my requeset which is now overdue. I should have received a response by 19 March.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please help to reduce waste and do not print this message unless you
really need to.
This message, including any attached files, is intended just for the use
of the individual or organisation to whom it is addressed. Unauthorised
use (for example disclosure, storage or copying) is not permitted. If you
are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies and inform the
sender by return email. Any views or opinions expressed in email are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
Merton Council. Merton Council reserves the right to monitor, record and
retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
use. Email monitoring and/or blocking software may be used and email
content may be read. Merton Council may be required to disclose this email
(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
message may contain information that is confidential or sensitive; you
should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Dear Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email. Checking our records I can see a response was sent on 11 March. I have attached a copy for your records.
Kind regards
Michael Cook
Michael Cook
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Team
Merton Council
www.merton.gov.uk
Dear Sandra Vogel
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUEST
We have now considered your request for information as set out in your
email below.
The information requested will not be disclosed and in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 this is a Refusal Notice.
Unfortunately we cannot provide this information because it would exceed
the time limit for requests, which is 18 hours (as stated in the Freedom
of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations 2004). This is
because the information is not recorded in a way that would allow an
electronic search to be run. As such a manual search would be required of
every individual record to locate the information requested. Therefore,
the information requested is exempt under Section 12 of the Act, which is
that the cost of compliance exceeds the appropriate limit.
Please consider refining your request so that it can be answered within
the time limit. You could do this by limiting your request to either one
of your queries. This limited period/search scope may allow a response to
be provided within the limit.
If you have any queries or concerns about this please contact me.
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request or wish to
appeal against the decision to exempt any part of your request, you should
request an Internal Review at [1][Merton Borough Council request email] or write in to Freedom
of Information team, Merton Council, Civic Centre, Morden, SM4 5DX.
If you escalate to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) without
following the council’s internal review process, the ICO will refer you
back to the council to enable the correct process to be followed.
You can also appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
[2]https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/offi...
There is no charge for making an appeal.
Kind regards
Michael Cook
Michael Cook
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Team
Merton Council
[3]www.merton.gov.uk
Dear foi,
Thank you for your reply.
I did see the 11 March response, and I replied reducing the scope of my request, asking for:
- a list of every street tree planted including name and postcode of street, type of tree planted, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others).
- a list every request made for a street tree, including name and postcode of street, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others)
I was also clear that "If there are particular data elements in this request that are still difficult for you to provide within the time limit, can you tell me what they are, so that I can refine my request further?"
You did not respond to that revised request - I would be very grateful if you could do so.
Thank you
Yours sincerely,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please help to reduce waste and do not print this message unless you
really need to.
This message, including any attached files, is intended just for the use
of the individual or organisation to whom it is addressed. Unauthorised
use (for example disclosure, storage or copying) is not permitted. If you
are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies and inform the
sender by return email. Any views or opinions expressed in email are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
Merton Council. Merton Council reserves the right to monitor, record and
retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
use. Email monitoring and/or blocking software may be used and email
content may be read. Merton Council may be required to disclose this email
(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
message may contain information that is confidential or sensitive; you
should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Dear Merton Borough Council,
I am still awaiting a reply to my revised request on this topic.
Yours faithfully,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please help to reduce waste and do not print this message unless you
really need to.
This message, including any attached files, is intended just for the use
of the individual or organisation to whom it is addressed. Unauthorised
use (for example disclosure, storage or copying) is not permitted. If you
are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies and inform the
sender by return email. Any views or opinions expressed in email are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
Merton Council. Merton Council reserves the right to monitor, record and
retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
use. Email monitoring and/or blocking software may be used and email
content may be read. Merton Council may be required to disclose this email
(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
message may contain information that is confidential or sensitive; you
should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Dear Sandra Vogel,
Thank you for your email. Checking out records I can see one outstanding FOI in your name, which is in relation to Mitcham Carnival. Can you please send a copy of your revised request to allow me to double check whether it has been answered or not.
Kind regards
Michael Cook
Michael Cook
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Team
Merton Council
www.merton.gov.uk
Dear foi,
Thank you for your swift response.
I made my initial request on 19 February.
You replied on 11 March saying that responding to my request would take more than 18 hours.
On 11 March I asked a question to ascertain what was causing you to go over the 18 hours, and suggested one option, removing that from my request.
I got no response, and so I prompted you on 20 March.
Again I got no response, and I prompted you on 8 April.
You replied on that day with the same 18 hours reply as you sent on 19 February. I responded reiterating my proposed change of scope.
On 16 May I sent you a prompt, and on 17 May you replied saying that you did not have a record of this FOI in your system.
You will find all the correspondence at WhatDoTheyKnow - https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/s...
My request as it now stands is as follows:
Autumn 2023 / spring 2024
Autumn 2022 / spring 2023
Autumn 2021 / spring 2022
Autumn 2020 / spring 2021
Autumn 2019 / spring 2020
For each of the above planting seasons please provide:
- a list of every street tree planted including name and postcode of street, type of tree planted, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others).
- a list every request made for a street tree, including name and postcode of street, and the route by which the request for this tree came to the council (eg resident, councillor, officer and any others)
If there are particular data elements in this request that are still difficult for you to provide within the time limit, can you tell me what they are, so that I can refine my request further?
Yours sincerely,
Sandra Vogel
Thank you for your email message. We aim to respond to all requests under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 within 20 working days. More information about the way we
deal with information requests is on our web site at
[1]www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Information Governance Team
London Borough of Merton.
020 8545 4634
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please help to reduce waste and do not print this message unless you
really need to.
This message, including any attached files, is intended just for the use
of the individual or organisation to whom it is addressed. Unauthorised
use (for example disclosure, storage or copying) is not permitted. If you
are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies and inform the
sender by return email. Any views or opinions expressed in email are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
Merton Council. Merton Council reserves the right to monitor, record and
retain any incoming and outgoing emails for security reasons and for
monitoring internal compliance with the Merton Council policy on staff
use. Email monitoring and/or blocking software may be used and email
content may be read. Merton Council may be required to disclose this email
(or any response to it) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless
the information in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act. The
message may contain information that is confidential or sensitive; you
should handle it accordingly.
Please view the council's privacy notice at
https://www.merton.gov.uk/legal/privacy-...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.merton.gov.uk/foi
Dear Sandra Vogel,
Thank you for your email. Looking at our records I can see that your request of 19 Feb was issued a Section 12 (costs) refusal on 11 March. This was followed up with a refined request on 11 March that received another Section 12 response on 9 April for the same reason that the first request was refused.
Your request, in its refined format, still remains too large for the team to respond to within the appropriate limit. If you are able to refine it further, using the options provided in the response, then we may be able to provide a response. Unfortunately we are unable to provide advice about how to refine your request in order to guarantee a response.
Kind regards
Michael Cook
Michael Cook
Information Governance Officer
Information Governance Team
Merton Council
www.merton.gov.uk
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