Information Commissioner's Office

Greater Manchester Police

19 August 2014, Police and criminal justice

The complainant requested information relating to the discovery of a body in November 2011. GMP disclosed some information, but refused to confirm or deny whether it held the remainder under the exemptions provided by sections 30(1) (information held for the purposes of an investigation), 38(2) (endangerment to health or safety) and 40(5) (personal information) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that GMP cited sections 38(2) and 40(5) correctly. In relation to section 30(3), however, his conclusion is that the public interest did not favour the maintenance of that exemption and GMP is now required to disclose the confirmation or denial withheld under that exemption. The Commissioner requires GMP to confirm or deny whether it holds information within the scope of request (1). In relation to any information that is held, this should either be disclosed or the complainant provided with a valid reason as to why this information will not be disclosed.

FOI 30: Partly upheld FOI 38: Partly upheld