Cabinet Office

The complainant has requested information regarding nominations to the Honours Committee for various individuals. The Cabinet Office disclosed some information regarding one individual but withheld the remaining information under sections 37(1)(b) and 41(1). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Cabinet Office is entitled to rely on section 37(1)(b) to withhold the information within the scope of request 1. However, she finds that with respect to requests 2-5, section 36(2)(c) is not engaged. The Commissioner requires the public authority to disclose the information falling within the scope of requests 2-5 to ensure compliance with the legislation. 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 the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2020/0063 disposed by consent.