Cabinet Office

The complainant requested information concerning the honours nomination and assessment process. The Cabinet provided some information and withheld other information under section 37(1)(b) of the FOIA – (the conferring by the crown of any honour or dignity). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Cabinet Office was not entitled to rely on the exemption at 37(1)(b). The Commissioner also finds that the Cabinet Office breached sections, 10(1) and 17(3) in its handling of the request. The Commissioner requires the Cabinet Office to disclose the information withheld under section 37(1)(b), with the exception of names and contact details of staff.