Department for Work and Pensions

The complainant has requested unredacted versions of published Universal Credit Board Papers. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to rely on section 31(1)(a) to withhold the information relating to Transaction Risking. However, the Commissioner finds that whilst section 35(1)(a) and 36(2)(b)(i) are engaged in relation to the remaining withheld information, the balance of the public interest favours disclosure. The Commissioner requires DWP to disclose the information withheld under sections 35(1)(a) and 36(2)(b)(i). 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 the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court. First-tier tribunal (General Regulatory chamber) information rights appeal EA/2023/0298 appeal withdrawn.