THE Canal & River Trust have now responded to a request for a copy of its ‘secret' agreement with boater Andy Wingfield, writes Allan Richards.
Its response follows its failure to provide the document within 20 working days as required by the Freedom of Information Act (CaRT keeps agreement secret).
Needed more time
On 18th February a request was made for documents relating to the Wingfield case. The scope of the request was widened on 20th February to include the agreement between CaRT and Andy Wingfield and the evidence provided by both parties.
On 23rd February CaRT responded providing some of the information requested but not the agreement (or evidence). On being reminded, on 20th March, that it had now exceeded the 20 working days allowed under the Act, CaRT claimed that it needed more time stating:
‘We are considering the documents you have requested ('a copy of the settlement and also the evidence submitted by both parties') but it is taking longer than we had anticipated. We our doing our best to reply promptly but commit to providing you with our full response by 2nd April in any event.'
CaRT's response
... and CaRT's response on the Wingfield agreement made on 27th March—‘This is not information held by the Trust ...'
It seems that the agreement that the Trust 'was considering' on 23rd March disappeared four days later!
How convenient!
[Bearing in mind today's date, Allan would like to assure readers that he has not made this up!]