Information Commissioner's Office

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You are here: BAILII >> Databases >> Information Commissioner's Office >> Executive Office (NI) (Central government) [2023] UKICO 216313 (20 December 2023)
URL: http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKICO/2023/216313.html
Cite as: [2023] UKICO 216313

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Executive Office (NI)

The complainant has requested a copy of a document which was produced following discussions between the civil service and the main political parties in Northern Ireland. The Executive Office of Northern Ireland (TEO) refused the request citing section 35(1)(a) of FOIA (formulation or development of government policy). The Commissioner’s decision is that TEO was not entitled to rely on section 35(1)(a) to withhold the requested information. The Commissioner requires TEO to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: Disclose the withheld information. The public authority must take these steps within 35 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of FOIA and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.

FOI 35(1)(a): Complaint upheld

Decision notice: 216313