THE Information Commissioner is investigating a complaint against Welwyn Hatfield Council by the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

As we revealed last month, we are seeking information from the council about the reasons why a number of taxi drivers have had their licences turned down or revoked.

The Information Commissioner has this week confirmed a case resolution team has taken up our complaint.

The news comes as the Newspaper Society gave its backing to our campaign.

Senior legal advisor Sue Oake said: “The NS fully supports the Welwyn Hatfield Times’ Freedom of Information Act request for details of the issues being considered by the taxi licensing committee.

“The public have a right to be informed of the decisions being made by council committees and the basis upon which those decisions were reached.

“The WHT’s efforts to secure more public scrutiny of the workings of the committee are an example of the vital role of local media in striving to ensure open and accountable local government.”

“In our view it is clearly in the public interest that the council should be required to disclose the information.”