Department for Work and Pensions

The complainant has requested copies of specific emails sent in 2012. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is relying on section 12(2) of the Act to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to refuse to comply with the request, and the duty to confirm or deny whether information is held, on the basis on section 12(2) of the Act. The Commissioner considers that DWP has breached section 16 of the Act by failing to provide adequate advice and assistance to aid the complainant in refining his request. The Commissioner does not, however, require DWP to take any remedial steps.