‘Figures are too coMMercially sensitive to reveal’
The Kent Messenger has been making attempts to find out how much money Maidstone council already makes by hiring out Mote Park for events such as Ramblin Man Fair and Big Day Out.
Our Freedom of Information request for payments over two years was rejected, with the council citing commercial sensitivity.
We asked for a review, arguing there was a public interest element as the park is maintained at public expense.
In a response, John Scarborough, the authority’s head of legal partnership, said releasing the information was likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the council in negotiating fees.
He added: “Entering into unfettered negotiations is essential as this enables the council to negotiate the best deal which in my view is of greater public interest than disclosure of the information.”
The KM is appealing this. The council did confirm the total annual budget for maintaining the park is £464,830, all of which was spent last year.