FOI Request
Could you please supply copies of the expenditure by the OPCC ON “Call off” media services supplied by Mr Ian Cross and “Cross media solutions” for the following years
- 2019-2020
- 2018-2019
- 2017-2018
- 2016-2017
- 2015-2016
FOI Response
During the period specified, the OPCC has not had any arrangements in place with ‘Cross Media Solutions’ and therefore no expenditure has been incurred in this regard.
In terms of Mr Ian Cross – he is an employee of the OPCC. However in recognition of the variable nature of the work he is employed to undertake, he is employed on a zero hours contract and undertakes his role in line with work that arises.
The amount that the OPCC pays Mr Cross as part of this employment therefore varies depending on the hours worked.
In line with the Specified Information Order 2011, the OPCC provides details of the salaries of certain roles within the OPCC and these are published on the PCC’s website. In addition to this the PCC is required to show all staff who are paid over £50k per annum in a note to the statement of accounts – these can also be found on the PCC’s website and are subject to annual audit.
Mr Cross does not fall into either of these categories and the ICO states I would need “exceptional circumstances” to disclose exact salary information for an employee outside of the existing publication structures.
I do not consider that any exceptional circumstances are in play and to disclose Mr Cross’ exact salary information would be intrusive. On that basis, I will not be disclosing this information under Section 40 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act.
However, the OPCC is committed to openness and transparency in the way that public funds are spent and has recently set out, on the link below, all of the expenditure that is incurred by the OPCC, on media services, across the period you are interested in.
FOI 249 – Communications/media staffing costs
I hope that you recognise why part of the information you have requested can’t be provided and you appreciate the additional information that you have been directed towards which hopefully helps with your request.
Date responded: 30 July 2020