Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant requested documents relating to the public cost of the Royal Family and their accommodation. DCMS refused to disclose this information under sections 21, 31, 36, 37 38, and 43 of the Act and regulation 12(5) (d) and 12 (5) (f) of the EIR. The Commissioner has investigated and found that sections 21, 36 and 37 are engaged but in relation to sections 36 and 37 the Commissioner found that the public interest in maintaining the exemption does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure of the information. The Commissioner also found that sections 31, 38 and 43 and regulations 12(5) (d) and (f) of the EIR are not engaged. The Commissioner requires the public authority to disclose the information withheld under sections 31, 36, 37, 38 and 43, and under regulations 12(5) (d) and 12(5) (f) within 35 calendar days of this notice. Information Tribunal appeal number EA/2010/0025 has been disposed of by way of a consent order.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: EIR 5 - Complaint Upheld, EIR 12.5.d - Complaint Upheld, EIR 12.5.f - Complaint Upheld, FOI 21 - Complaint Not upheld, FOI 31 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 36 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 37 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 38 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 43 - Complaint Upheld