Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant submitted a number of requests to the Cabinet Office regarding the decision to award peerages to four named individuals. In respect of some requests the Cabinet Office confirmed that it held information but maintained that it was exempt from disclosure on the basis of sections 37(1)(b), 40(2) and 41(1). In respect of the remaining requests the Cabinet Office refused to confirm or deny whether it held any information on the basis of section 37(2) of the Act. In relation to the first type of requests the Commissioner has concluded that the Cabinet Office was entitled to refuse to provide the information it held on the basis of section 37(1)(b). In relation to the second type of requests the Commissioner has concluded that the Cabinet Office was entitled to refuse to confirm or deny whether it held information falling within the scope of these requests on the basis of section 37(2).
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 17 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 37 - Complaint Not upheld