Department for Work and Pensions

The complainant has requested confirmation of the number of people claiming benefits at a specified address. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) refused to confirm or deny whether it held the information as it constituted the personal data of a third party and was exempt under section 40(5). The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to rely on section 40(5) to refuse to confirm or deny whether the requested information is held. The Commissioner does not require DWP to take any steps.