Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant requested information concerning discussions between civil servants and officials regarding the OBE and subsequent knighthood awarded to Jimmy Savile. The Cabinet Office withheld all of the requested information on the basis of section 36 (effective conduct of public affairs) and section 37(1)(b) (honours exemption) of FOIA and further argued that some of the information was also exempt on the basis of section 40 (personal data). The Commissioner has concluded that although sections 36 and 37 are engaged, the public interest favours disclosing the information. Furthermore, the only information which the Commissioner believes is exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 40 are the names of junior civil servants. The Commissioner requires the public authority to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Provide the complainant with the information that he requested with the names of junior civil servants redacted.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 36 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 37 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 40 - Complaint Partly Upheld