Department for Work and Pensions

The complainant has made a meta-request for the Qualified Person’s opinion in relation to a previous request. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) withheld the requested information under sections 36(2)(b) and 36(2)(c). The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to rely on section 36(2)(b)(i), prejudice to the free and frank provision of advice, and the public interest favours maintaining the exemption. The Commissioner does not require DWP to take any steps.