Information Commissioner

I had thought that a response such as you have made would be forthcoming.

I have therefore written my conclusions:

Please see https://sw153he.uk/#gdpr-exemption

I shall forward your response and my statement to the complainant's representatives, as well as publishing the correspondence chain.

Is a government regulator who is unable to regulate in effect pointless ???

Thank you for your email of 25 June 2026.

I appreciate that you are seeking a straightforward answer. However, the ICO's role is to provide general guidance on data protection law. We cannot make decisions on behalf of organisations or individuals, nor can we tell you whether you should or should not publish a particular document.

The application of the journalistic exemption depends on the specific circumstances of the processing, including the purposes of the publication and how the exemption applies to the facts of the case. It is therefore for the data controller (you) to assess whether they can rely on the exemption and to ensure they comply with their obligations under data protection law.

For this reason, we are unable to provide a simple "yes" or "no" answer on whether you can publish the document you have supplied. You will need to make your own assessment of your legal obligations and, if necessary, seek independent legal advice on the risks associated with publication.

Yours sincerely,
Case Officer 
Information Commissioner's Office

Thank you for your response

We understand you are asking whether your investigation and publication may fall within the journalistic exemption in data protection law.

Whether this applies must be assessed by the data controller on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of the processing and publication.

I am certainly obeying the Editors Code of Practice.

I can find nothing in the Ofcom Broadcasting Code which prevents publication of the names of suspected fraudsters.

The reports and comments meet with the published definition of the The Public Interest. [Section 1 Page 7 - BBC Editorial Standards]

Thus sadly your answer is utterly evasive.

I have simply asked if I can publish a certain document - which I sent you.

I am looking for a simple Yes or No.

Pages of bull on data controllers is frankly meaningless.

If you are stating that I can in effect "self certify", then clearly I will do so. The lack of action not only on the frauds [now reported to reportfraud.police.uk] but on the bullying that has been carried out over the last decade by the local police is simply appalling.

Meanwhile xxxxxxxxxxxx appears to "half inched" half a million pounds over a decade. This is similar to Morrell of the SNP.

For further information in relation to this matter, you may visit our website: A guide to the data protection exemptions | ICO

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you need advice on a new issue you can contact us via our helpline on 0303 123 1113 or through our live chat service. In addition, more information about the Information Commissioner’s Office and the legislation we oversee is available on our website ico.org.uk.

Thank you for getting in touch. Your case reference number is IC-529861-T0Z0.

If you have new or relevant information you would like to add, you can:

• reply to this email, or
• email us and include your full reference number in the subject line.

Please only send information that is directly relevant to the issue you’ve already raised.

Yours sincerely,
Information Commissioner’s Office 

I have a web site [not fully published] which includes a small section based on a contemporaneous note I made three years before commencing my investigation.

On 18th May 2017, the lessee of flat 22 accompanied by myself visited Garden Royal. The following record summarises the conversation between the lessee and xxxxxxxxxxxx:

xxxxxxxxxxxx and Sun Trade Windows

Supplier: Sun Trade Windows - Manufacturer to the trade
Tradesman: Paul Lanning. Home: 01372 725404, Mobile: 07850 248974
To replace all windows and front door £4,000 plus ### VAT ###.
To replace all windows and lounge window to Patio Doors £6,000 plus ### VAT ###
50 % up front, 50 % on completion
Doors "composite" with 6 bolt system - Guess like 209 - 4 bolts, mortice, and latch,
IF paid in cash - no ### VAT ###.

The lessee declined xxxxxxxxxxxx’ offer.

In my report [March 2024] I have commented as follows:

xxxxxxxxxxxx acted for Sun Trade Windows and sold "new" front doors to many lessees which were NOT compliant with the Fire Regulations. In 2021 the London Fire Brigade issued a notice and consequently these doors have now to be replaced, along with doors on the ground floor which are not subject to the same regulations, and all to be paid for from the reserve fund.

In the Board's letter dated 19th June 2023 this was stated to be "at no additional cost to leaseholders" - a false statement as the leaseholders pay into the reserve fund out of their annual service charge.

Noted xxxxxxxxxxxx is the lessee  of flat yy, apparently unemployed, and a Director of Kersfield Maintenance Ltd - tho' in recent years the democratic process has collapsed. Noted all lessees are shareholders and vice versa.

My investigation initially took 4 years. It continues. 

The SCALE of all of the frauds perpetrated at Garden Royal, SW15 3HE is now estimated to exceed HALF a Million Pounds over the last decade. It is thus similar in scale to Peter Morrell's frauds and just as blatant.

I therefore request you determine whether I have journalistic / investigative exception from the GDPR.

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/exemptions/a-guide-to-the-data-protection-exemptions/

Common sense says that I ought to do. 

My 60 page report was originally written for Lord Best, The Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, Wandsworth Council and Putney Police. Later recipients included the Law Faculties at Essex and Leicester Universities and the Earl of Lytton.

Wandsworth Council and Putney Police then requested a short summary which was provided.
Wandsworth have managed to bring the commercial letting out of residential garages to an end after some 20 years.

I look forward to a simple response to a simple question.