Summary: The complainant requested information held by the Professional Oversight Board about a named international accountancy and accountancy examining body. The Financial Reporting Council disclosed some information within the scope of the request but also withheld some information citing sections 44 (prohibitions on disclosure), 41 (information provided in confidence), 31 (law enforcement), 36 (prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) and 40 (personal information). It also stated that although some of the requested information related to functions it carries out, those functions fall outside of its designation under FOIA. The Commissioner-™s decision is that the FRC was entitled to determine that some of the requested information was outside the scope of its responsibilities under FOIA. He also concluded that it correctly withheld the remaining disputed information in accordance with section 36. He requires no steps to be taken, including in respect of the timeliness issue which he has considered.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 36 - Complaint Not upheld