Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
- Date 16 November 2022
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 31: Not upheld
The complainant requested from Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (“DLUHC”) information relating to a smoking room constructed in the Ministry. DLUHC stated it neither confirms nor denies whether it holds the information requested, and cited section 31(3) by virtue of section 31(1)(a) (prejudice to law enforcement) of FOIA.
The Commissioner’s decision is DLUHC is entitled to neither confirm nor deny whether it holds the information requested, and to rely on section 31(3) by virtue of section 31(1)(a) of FOIA. To do so would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime. The public interest favours maintaining this exemption. Therefore, the Commissioner does not require DLUHC to take any steps as a result of this decision.