DVLA

The complainant has requested the driving licence application information of Elaine Parent. The DVLA refused to comply with the request, citing section 14(1) (vexatious requests) of FOIA. The DVLA then changed its position to neither confirm nor deny that it held the requested information, citing section 41(2) (information provided in confidence). The Commissioner’s decision is that section 41(2) is engaged but that the public interest lies in confirming or denying that the information is held. The Commissioner requires the DVLA to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: issue a fresh response, which must confirm or deny whether the information is held, and either disclose the requested information or issue a valid refusal notice compliant with section 17 of FOIA.