Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The complainant has asked the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) for copies of communications between Sajid Javid and Brian Martin concerning Grenfell Tower and fire safety standards for building materials. Having initially refused the complainant’s request in reliance on section 35 of the FOIA, the MHCLG altered its position to one where it relies on sections 36(2) and 40(2). The Commissioner’s decision is that the MHCLG has correctly applied section 36(2) to the information the complainant has asked for. She has not gone on to consider the Department’s additional application of section 40(2). Information Tribunal appeal EA/2019/0050 dismissed.