Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

The complainant has requested information relating to the Private Parking Code of Practice. The above public authority provided some information but relied on section 35 (development of government policy) and section 42 (legal professional privilege) of FOIA to withhold the remainder. The Commissioner’s decision is that sections 35 and 42 are engaged and that the balance of the public interest favours maintaining these exemptions. As the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days, it breached both section 10 and section 17 of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require further steps. Information Tribunal EA/2023/0041 appeal allowed.