IC-407370-Y5M9: Birmingham City Council
The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority breached section 10(1) of FOIA by failing to provide a response within 20 working days
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
Source · FOI / EIR decision notices
ICO FOI/EIR Decision Notices
Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations decisions by the Information Commissioner.
26,238 total decisions
8,733 upheld (must disclose)
1,340 bodies covered
2005–2026 indexed date range
Filter decisions
IC-360208-Z5H7: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
The complainant has requested, from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), information about the amount that WYFRS has paid in COT3 agreements (ie conciliation agreements involving Acas – the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) over a specified period of time; they also asked WYFRS to “provide the information for individual years”. WYFRS disclosed the total amount for the six-year period in question, but refused to disclose information for individual years, on the basis of section 40(2) (personal information). During the Commissioner’s investigation, WYFRS told the Commissioner that it no longer wishes to withhold the amount paid in the calendar years 2019 and 2022, and went on to disclose the figures for those two calendar years; but it continues to withhold the amount paid in the calendar years 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 on the basis of section 40(2) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that WYFRS was correct to rely on section 40(2) of FOIA to refuse to disclo
Exemptions cited: FOI 40(2)
IC-368730-Y3W1: Department for Education
The complainant has requested drafts of a response to a parliamentary e-petition. The Department for Education (DfE) provided a redacted version of the draft responses and relied on section 40(2) of FOIA (third party personal information) and section 42 of FOIA (legal professional privilege) to withhold the redacted information. The Commissioner’s decision is that DfE was entitled to rely on sections 40(2) and 42 of FOIA to withhold the redacted information. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40; FOI 42
IC-401795-B1B4: Financial Ombudsman Service Limited
The complainant has requested a copy of the Contingent Reimbursement Mode Code Practitioner’s Guide and any supporting documents on its application. FOS stated no supporting documents were held but the Practitioner’s Guide was held and was being withheld under section 41 FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that FOS has correctly withheld the Practitioner’s Guide under section 41. No steps are required.
Exemptions cited: FOI 41
IC-357425-K3R4: English Heritage
The complainant has requested information about considerations for a blue plaque for Sir Charles Chaplin. English Heritage provided some of the requested information but relied on sections 36, 43 and 40(2) of FOIA to withhold the remaining requested information. The Commissioner’s decision is that while English Heritage was entitled to rely on section 36 of FOIA, the balance of the public interest is weighted in favour of disclosure. He finds that English Heritage was not entitled to rely on section 43 of FOIA, but it was entitled to rely on section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold some of the information in part three of the request. He also finds that, on the balance of probabilities, English Heritage does not hold any further information within scope of parts one and two of the request. The Commissioner requires English Heritage to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: disclose the information requested in part three of the request, except for the information
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 36; FOI 40(2); FOI 43
IC-366637-L4Y4: Derbyshire County Council
The complainant requested from Derbyshire County Council (the Council) information concerning finances regarding Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) for the A632 at Chesterfield. The Council refused to comply with the request and cited regulation 12(4)(b) (manifestly unreasonable requests) of the EIR.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was entitled to rely on regulation 12(4)(b) of the EIR to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner does not require the Council to take any further steps as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(4)(b)
IC-371133-F8J0: Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (Translink)
The Commissioner’s decision is that Translink is entitled to refuse the complainant’s request for information about the salaries of certain staff under section 40(2) of FOIA, which concerns personal data. The Commissioner doesn’t require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40(2)
IC-366679-L3M4: NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB
The complainant made a two-part follow-on request for information to Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (the ICB) about a contract awarded for services at a total cost of £990,000. The ICB provided information for part one but refused to respond further, relying upon section 14(1) and (2) of FOIA (vexatious and repeated requests).
The Commissioner’s decision is that the ICB was entitled to rely upon section 14(1) of FOIA to refuse to respond to the request in this case.
The Commissioner does not require any steps as a result of this decision
Exemptions cited: FOI 14(1)
IC-401838-F8H2: Northamptonshire Police
The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-371059-B6S2: Bedfordshire Police
The complainant has requested a copy of materials used as part of a technology presentation. Bedfordshire Police disclosed some information but it would neither confirm nor deny (NCND) whether it held further information falling in scope of the request, citing sections 24(2) (National security) and 31(3) (Law enforcement) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that neither exemption is engaged. He also finds procedural breaches of sections 1 and 10 of FOIA, in relation to Bedfordshire Police’s delayed response to the request. The Commissioner requires Bedfordshire Police to issue a fresh response, confirming or denying whether it holds further information falling within scope of the request. If it does hold further information, that information must either be disclosed or a refusal notice must be issued which is compliant with section 17 of FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 10; FOI 24; FOI 31
IC-368107-P2L8: St John's College Cambridge
The complainant has requested information about a trust associated with the 1642 Will of Mr Henry Robinson. Having disclosed related information, the position of St John’s College, University of Cambridge (‘the College’) is that it holds no further relevant information. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the College holds no further information within scope of the complainant’s request. The timeliness of the College’s response didn’t comply with section 1(1)(b) and 10(1) of FOIA but the Commissioner doesn’t require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1(1)(b); FOI 10(1)
IC-388343-Z2J3: Rutland County Council
The complainant has requested from Rutland County Council (the Council) information relating to a planning application. The Commissioner has issued a previous decision notice IC-332540-J5K4 related to this matter that ordered the Council to carry out fresh searches and either provide any further information identified or issue an appropriate refusal notice under the EIR. The Council subsequently disclosed some information and withheld part of it applying regulation 12(5)(b) of the EIR – the course of justice etc and regulation 12(3) of the EIR – personal data. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council did not appropriately apply regulation 12(5)(b) and the exception is not engaged. The Commissioner requires the Council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. • Disclose the information withheld by the Council under regulation 12(5)(b) of the EIR with appropriate redactions to comply with its data protection obligations.
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(5)(b)
IC-370623-H1J3: Essex County Council
The complainant has requested information about internal processes and insurance claims. Essex County Council denied holding any recorded information. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council does not hold the requested information. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1
IC-372291-Y7R5: Department for Transport
The complainant has requested information from the Department for Transport (DfT) about XC Trains Ltd’s performance. The DfT stated that it did not hold some of the information, it provided some information but withheld other information, applying sections 36(2)(c) – prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs, 40(2) – personal information, 41(1) - information provided in confidence, 43(2) – commercial prejudice, and 44 FOIA - prohibitions on disclosure. The Commissioner’s decision is that the DfT has correctly refused to disclose some of the information on the basis of section 44(1)(a) by virtue of the Railways Act 1993. He has decided that the remaining withheld information has been appropriately withheld under sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (ii), and 43(2) FOIA. However, the DfT breached sections 1(1), 10(3) and 17 FOIA regarding the timeliness of its response. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1(1); FOI 17; FOI 36(2)(b)(i); FOI 36(2)(b)(ii); FOI 43(2); FOI 44(1)(a); FOI 10(3)
IC-362542-D6L9: Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
The complainant requested the inspection reports following the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority’s (the ‘GLAA’) inspections of farms in 2021. Ultimately, after seeking clarification of the request from the complainant during the course of the Commissioner’s investigation, the GLAA said it could not provide the requested information on the grounds of cost, citing section 12(1) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the GLAA complied with its advice and assistance obligations in accordance with section 16 of FOIA. However, for the reasons set out in this notice, the Commissioner does not agree that section 12(1) of FOIA is engaged. The Commissioner requires the GLAA to issue a fresh response to the request that does not rely on section 12(1) of FOIA within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice.
Keywords: Compliance
Exemptions cited: FOI 12; FOI 16
IC-408202-V7Q7: Essex Police
The complainant has requested information relating to information sharing polices from Essex Police. Essex Police has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-401638-W8N7: NI Audit Office
The complainant has requested information relating to the NAO’s compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty in relation to recruitment processes. The NAO stated it did not hold the requested information. The Commissioner’s decision is that the NAO does not hold information falling with the scope of this request. However, in failing to respond and confirm this within 20 working days the NAO has breached section 10(1) and 1(1)(a) FOIA. No steps are required.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 10
IC-360110-J0P6: Home Office
The complainant requested both the titles of and the actual reports held by The Extremism Analysis Unit. The Home Office refused to provide any of the requested information, citing the following FOIA exemptions: sections 24(1) - national security, 27(1)(a) and (c) - international relations, 31(1)(a) – law enforcement, 35(1)(a) – formulation of government policy, 38 – health and safety and 40(2) – personal information. The Home Office applied sections 24, 31 and 35 to the withheld information in its entirety. The Commissioner’s decision is that the withheld information was exempt from disclosure under section 24 of FOIA. As he has found section 24(1) to apply to all the withheld information, the Commissioner has not deemed it necessary to consider the Home Office's reliance on the remaining FOIA exemptions. No steps are required as a result of this notice. Information Tribunal FT/EA/2025/0313 under appeal.
Exemptions cited: FOI 24
IC-389759-T1Y9: Oxfordshire County Council
The complainant requested information regarding terms which Oxfordshire County Council (the Council) had agreed with Oxford United Football Club (OUFC) relating to the ‘Triangle’ site in Kidlington. The Council withheld the information under regulation 12(5)(e) (commercially confidential information) of the EIR. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council has failed to demonstrate that regulation 12(5)(e) is engaged. The Commissioner requires the Council to disclose the withheld information relating to parts 1, 2 and 3(e) of the request to the complainant. Information Tribunal FT/EA/2025/0343 under appeal.
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(5)(e)
IC-360427-Z3B7: Home Office
The complainant requested information about a review into the potential use of ID cards (or passport cards) at ePassport Gates. The Home Office relied on section 12(2) (appropriate limit) of the FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Home Office was not entitled to rely on section 12(2) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner requires the Home Office to issue a fresh response to the request that does not rely on section 12(2) of FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12
IC-360146-G7B6: HM Treasury
The complainant requested copies of all communications and documents between public officials of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the UK Government regarding the imposition of sanctions under the Russia regime on persons associated with Mr Roman Abramovich for the period 10 March 2022 to 15 April 2022. HM Treasury (HMT)refused the request citing section 24 (National security), sections 27(1)(a) and (b) and 27(2) (International relations), section 31(1)(a) (Law enforcement) and section 40(2) (Personal information) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that HMT was entitled to rely on section 27(1)(a) of the FOIA to withhold the information. The Commissioner does not require any steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 27
IC-371003-Q1V7: Bolton Council
The complainant requested information about pupils at a specific primary school. Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (the “council”) refused the request under the exemption for personal information (section 40(2)).
The Commissioner’s decision is that the council has correctly relied on section 40(2) of the FOIA to withhold the information. The Commissioner does not require the council to take any further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40(2)
IC-390131-J9J3: Ministry of Justice
The complainant requested the number of prisoners released on licence whose release conditions require them to wear an electronic tag who, at the time of the request, had not been fitted with one. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) refused to comply with the request, citing section 12(1) (cost of compliance) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the MoJ was entitled to refuse to comply with the request in accordance with section 12(1). The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12
IC-405196-H8B0: NI Audit Office
The complainant has requested legal fees billed to the NAO by its solicitors in relation to a particular issue. The NAO provided a figure but the complainant considered further information may be held that had not been factored in when providing this figure. The Commissioner’s decision is that the NAO has provided all the information it holds and no further information falling with the scope of this request is held. No steps are required.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1
IC-367598-D4C9: Department for Work and Pensions
The complainant has requested information regarding Child Maintenance Service policy and procedures. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) relied on section 12(1) to refuse to comply with the request as to do so would exceed the appropriate limit. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP to entitled to rely on section 12(1) to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner is also satisfied that DWP has provided reasonable advice and assistance in accordance with section 16(1). The Commissioner does not require DWP to take any steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12; FOI 16
IC-363521-J8P0: The Insolvency Service (Dept for Business and Trade)
The complainant has requested, in multiple requests, information from the Insolvency Service (“the Agency”). The Agency relies on section 14 (vexatious requests) not to comply with the requests. The Commissioner’s decision is that the requests are vexatious and the Agency correctly refused to comply with them by virtue of section 14(1) FOIA. Information Tribunal FT/EA/2025/0340 under appeal.
Exemptions cited: FOI 14(1)
IC-362019-P1H0: Stockton-on-Tees Council
The complainant requested internal correspondence relating to the Winter Fuel Allowance motion passed by Stockton on Tees Borough Council (the Council). The Council refused to provide the requested information, citing section 36 (prejudice to effective conduct of public
affairs) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was entitled to rely on
sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (ii) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: FOI 36
IC-403277-N4Q0: Ministry of Defence
The complainant requested information from the Ministry of Defence relating to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-401225-G5Z4: Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The complainant has requested information about formaldehyde in the Histopathology Department. The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-362332-F7Y9: West London NHS Trust
The complainant has requested information regarding the number of midwives and nurses referred by West London NHS Trust (the Trust) to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The Trust relied on section 21 and section 12 of FOIA (cost of compliance) to refuse the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that: The Trust was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Trust complied with its section 16 obligation to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken. Information Tribunal FT/EA/2025/0359 under appeal.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12(1); FOI 16
IC-395379-X6J1: AYLESBURY HIGH SCHOOL
The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-380348-R2N6: Caerphilly County Borough Council
The complainant submitted a request to Caerphilly County Borough Council (the council) for information relating to specific bore holes.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the council was neither entitled to rely on regulation 12(5)(e) (commercial or industrial information) nor 12(5)(f) (interests of the information provider) of the EIR to withhold the requested information. Furthermore, in failing to respond to the request and issue a refusal notice within the statutory timescale, the Commissioner has determined that the council has breached regulation 5(2) of the EIR.
The Commissioner requires the council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation:
• Disclose the withheld information with any personal data redacted in accordance with his guidance.
The council must take these steps within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(5)(e); EIR 12(5)(f); EIR 5(2)
IC-366331-B1G2: NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB
The complainant requested from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) information regarding NHS healthcare budget. BOB ICB refused to comply as it considered the request as a repeat and cited section 14(2) (repeat requests) of FOIA.
The Commissioner’s decision is that BOB ICB was entitled to refuse the request under section 14(2) of FOIA, as it is a repeated request. However, BOB ICB breached section 17(1)(b) of FOIA as its refusal notice did not state the exemption it was relying upon.
The Commissioner does not require BOB ICB to take any steps as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: FOI 14(2)
IC-385705-H8P2: UK Health Security Agency
The complainant requested information relating to a witness statements and also other correspondence from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A public authority will breach section 10 of FOIA if it fails to respond to a request within 20 working days. Based on evidence available to the Commissioner, by the date of this notice UKHSA has not issued a substantive response to this request. Therefore the Commissioner finds a breach of section 10. UKHSA must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-409122-V1N8: Sheffield City Council
The complainant submitted a request for correspondence between Sheffield Council and the World Snooker Tour. The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-405194-D6W1: NI Audit Office
The complainant has requested information from the NAO on marking schemes for a recruitment assessment. The Commissioner’s decision is that the NAO has breached sections 1 and 10 of FOIA as it failed to confirm the requested information was held within 20 working days and it did not meet the requirement of section 17 as it failed to identify any specific exemption on which it was relying to withhold the information. No steps are required.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 10; FOI 17
IC-363370-X9K7: Department for Transport
The complainant has requested information about the Mersey Gateway project. The Department for Transport (‘DfT’) provided responses to some parts of the request and stated that it was relying on section 43(2) of FOIA (commercial interests) to withhold the information requested in part d) of the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that DfT was entitled to rely on section 43(2) of FOIA to withhold the information requested in part d) of the request. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 43
IC-393103-G2N9: Home Office
The complainant made a request for information relating to transport provided to asylum seekers and others staying at a named UK address. The Home Office neither confirmed nor denied holding the requested information, citing section 38(2) (health and safety) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Home Office was entitled to rely on section 38(2) of FOIA to refuse to confirm or deny whether it holds any information falling within the scope of the request. The Commissioner does not require further steps are requires as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: FOI 38(2)
IC-365052-X7D6: Hillingdon Council
The complainant has requested a copy of the Deed of Variation regarding a contract to run local leisure services. The London Borough of Hillingdon (LBH) withheld this information on the basis of section 41(1), information provided in confidence, and section 43(2), commercial interests. The Commissioner’s decision is that neither exemption is engaged. The Commissioner also finds that LBH breached section 17(1) as it did not confirm the specific exemption it was relying on within the statutory timeframe. The Commissioner requires LBH to disclose the requested information. The public authority must take these steps within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court. Information Tribunal FT/EA/2025/0338 under appeal.
Exemptions cited: FOI 17; FOI 41; FOI 43
IC-358271-L5G4: The University of Cambridge
The complainant requested copies of model solutions for mathematics exams set by the University of Cambridge (the University).
The University relied on sections 36(2) (prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs), 43(1) (trade secrets), and 43(2) (commercial interests) of FOIA to withhold the requested information.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the University is not entitled to rely on any of the exemptions claimed to withhold the requested information.
The Commissioner requires the University to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation - Disclose the requested information.
Exemptions cited: FOI 36(2); FOI 43(2); FOI 43(1)
IC-399962-P3Y1: London Borough of Havering
The complainant requested information from London Borough of Havering. The Commissioner’s decision is that London Borough of Havering failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. London Borough of Havering must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-367462-W1X0: Food Standards Agency
The Commissioner’s decision is that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) isn’t entitled to rely on section 31(3) or section 43(3) of FOIA to neither confirm nor deny it holds the requested information about Root Cause Analyses related to specific food alerts. These exemptions concern law enforcement and commercial interests, respectively. The Commissioner requires FSA to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: Confirm or deny to the complainant whether it holds any information within the scope of their request. If it holds any information, FSA must disclose it or issue a refusal notice that complies with section 17 of FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 31(3); FOI 43(3)
IC-352450-Y5K5: NHS England
The complainant has requested information relating to agency staff and costs. NHSE England (‘NHSE’) denied holding some information and refused to disclose the information it did hold under section 43(2) (commercial interests). The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, NHSE doesn’t hold all of the part 2 and 4 information. All of the information it does hold is exempt under section 43(2) (commercial interests) of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 43(2)
IC-355532-N0Q8: The Electoral Commission
The complainant has requested information about a limited company and a charitable trust. The Electoral Commission provided some of the requested information but relied on section 30(1)(a)(i) of FOIA to withhold information relating to investigations. It also relied on section 40(2) of FOIA to redact some information and stated that it did not hold information relating to the charitable trust nor governance and conflict of interest management. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Electoral Commission was entitled to rely on sections 30(1)(a)(i) and 40(2) of FOIA to withhold some of the requested information. He also finds that the Electoral Commission breached sections 1(1), 10(1) and 17(1) of FOIA by failing to provide a response and an appropriate refusal notice within 20 working days. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 17; FOI 30; FOI 40(2)
IC-391481-H6W0: Crown Prosecution Service
The complainant has requested information regarding a report given in evidence at the trial of [named person]. The Crown Prosecution Service (“the CPS”) refused to provide the information, citing section 30(1)(c) of FOIA – investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities. The CPS also cited section 38 of FOIA – health and safety and section 40(2) – personal information. The Commissioner’s decision is that the CPS is entitled to rely on section 30(1)(c) of FOIA to withhold the requested information. As the Commissioner is satisfied that section 30(1)(c) applies to the information, he did not go on to consider section 38 and section 42(2) of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 30(1)(c)
IC-348725-Y6D2: Prison Service Pay Review Body
The complainant has requested information relating to the considerations made towards pay and allowances for dog handlers. The Office for the Pay Body Review Bodies (OPBR) – acting on behalf of the Prison Service Pay Review Body - withheld the information and cited sections 36(2)(b)(i) & (ii) as its basis for doing so.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the OPBR was entitled to withhold the information under sections 36(2)(b)(i) & (ii) of FOIA.
The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 36(2)(b)(i); FOI 36(2)(b)(ii)
IC-366772-N7B1: NHS South East London ICB
The complainant requested a copy of a report by KPMG into a cyber attack on Synnovis in 2024. NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (the ICB) advised it did not commission a report as described and therefore was unable to provide a copy as requested.
The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the ICB does not hold the requested information.
The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1
IC-380729-D7F6: The Charity Commission
The complainant has requested from the Charity Commission information about a particular charity, including names and associated correspondence. The Charity Commission withheld the requested information under section 32(2) FOIA – court records and section 40(2) FOIA – personal information.The Commissioner’s decision is that the Charity Commission has applied section 32(2) correctly to withhold the requested information. However, the Charity Commission breached section 17(1) by failing to issue a response to the request within 20 working days. The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 32(2); FOI 17(1)
IC-398437-N5M6: Northern Ireland Prison Service
A public authority will breach section 10 of FOIA if it fails to respond to a request within 20 working days. Based on evidence available to the Commissioner, by the date of this notice the public authority has not issued a substantive response to this request. Therefore the Commissioner finds a breach of section 10. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA. The public authority must take this step within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of FOIA and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
IC-398838-V3S2: Pentraeth Community Council
The complainant requested information from Pentraeth Community Council about its financial accounts. The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1