Department for Work and Pensions

The complainant has requested a copy of a research report into Benefit Sanctions. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) withheld the information citing section 36(2)(c). The Commissioner’s decision is that section 36(2)(c) is not engaged. The Commissioner requires the public authority to disclose the requested report on the effectiveness of benefit sanctions. The public authority must take these steps within 35 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of FOIA and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.