Manchester City Council

The complainant has requested information relating to tendering bids made for a procurement exercise carried out by the council. The council disclosed some information, however, it withheld other information on the basis that the exemptions at section 43(1) (trade secrets), section 41 (information provided in confidence) and section 40(2) (personal data of third parties) applied. It later changed its position to rely upon sections 43(2) (commercial interests), and 40(2). The Commissioner’s decision is that the council was not correct to apply section 43(2) to withhold the information. She has however decided that the council was correct to apply section 40(2) to withhold personal data from disclosure. She has also decided that the council did not comply with the requirements of section 10(1). The Commissioner requires the public authority to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. To disclose a complete copy of table which was previously partially withheld under section 43 to the complainant.