Summary: The complainant has requested information about contributions being made by Councils and funding being sought by Councils for HS2 within 10 specific areas. The Department for Transport (DfT) refused to provide the requested information under section 29 and section 35(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) or regulation 12(4)(d) and (e) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) in the alternative. The Commissioner-™s decision is that the DfT should have dealt with the request under EIR, however it was correct to apply regulation 12(4)(d) EIR and the public interest favours withholding the information. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: EIR 12.4.d - Complaint Not upheld