Department for Work and Pensions

The complainant has requested a copy of an internal audit report regarding the accidental publication of National Insurance numbers by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). DWP withheld the report under section 36, prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to rely on section 36 and the balance of the public interest favours maintaining the exemption. The Commissioner does not require any steps to be taken.