Information Commissioner's Office

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You are here: BAILII >> Databases >> Information Commissioner's Office >> Secretary of State for the Home Department (Home Office) (Central government) [2024] UKICO 275630 (6 June 2024)
URL: http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKICO/2024/275630.html
Cite as: [2024] UKICO 275630

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Secretary of State for the Home Department (Home Office)

The complainant has requested information from the Home Office relating to the Research, Information and Communications Unit (“RICU”). The Home Office refused to disclose that information, citing sections 24(1), 31(1)(a) and 40(2) of FOIA as a basis for non-disclosure. In relation to part 2 of the request, the Home Office later changed its stance and stated that it did not hold the information in that part of the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Home Office has appropriately applied the exemption contained in section 24(1) of FOIA to withhold the requested information in parts 1 and 3. As he considers that section 24(1) covers the entirety of the requested information in those parts, he has not considered the other exemptions applied. The Commissioner also accepts that the Home Office does not hold information within the scope of part 2 of the request. The Commissioner has also decided that the Home Office has breached sections 1(1)(a) and 10(1) of FOIA as it did not inform the complainant within 20 working days that it did not hold information within the scope of part 2 of their request. The Commissioner does not require the Home Office to take any steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.

FOI 10: Complaint upheld FOI 24: Complaint upheld FOI 1: Complaint upheld

Decision notice: 275630