National Archives
- Date 3 February 2023
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 17: Upheld, FOI 31: Not upheld
The complainant has requested access to death duty records relating to four members of the Royal Family. The above public authority relied on section 31 of FOIA to withhold the information. The Commissioner’s decision is section 31 of FOIA is engaged and that the balance of the public interest favours maintaining this exemption. However, the public authority breached section 17 of FOIA in responding to the request as it failed to complete its public interest considerations within a reasonable period of time. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Keywords: royal will, sealed will, court order