Request ID: FOI-1906-2223 Date published: 30 November 2022
You asked
Since 2018, TFL has been represented by Eversheds-Sutherland in the Lamptey vs Transport for London case.
Can you provide me with the total expenditure that has been spent on legal fees (including solicitors costs and barristers fees) on this case for the following years:
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
In simple terms, a total amount for each year would be appreciated.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1906-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 6 November 2022, asking for information about legal fees spent on ‘Mr F Lamptey vs Transport for London’ case.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and TfL’s information access policy. I can confirm TfL does hold the information you require.
However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply any of the information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) – commercial interests.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of TfL’s legal costs in this matter would harm TfL’s commercial interests at this point in time. Your request relates to a live employment tribunal claim and until the claim concludes, TfL’s legal spend is a relevant element of potential commercial negotiations which may lead to a settlement. The position is that negotiations would be prejudiced by disclosure of TfL’s legal spend because that figure is likely to incentivise further protraction of the ongoing proceedings and / or influence the amount that TfL may be willing to offer to settle the claim.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for public authorities to be open and transparent, but in this instance ensuring that we are able to obtain the best value for public money and not undermine our commercial position outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
