Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
- Date 23 August 2023
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 31(3): Not upheld
The complainant has requested information from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (“the DLUHC”), regarding the costs to the department of a specified ‘smoking hut’ which was reportedly constructed. The DLUHC refused to either confirm or deny that it holds the information, citing section 31(3) of FOIA – law enforcement. The Commissioner’s decision is that the DLUHC is entitled to neither confirm nor deny whether it holds the information requested, and to rely on section 31(3), by virtue of section 31(1)(a) of FOIA. To do so would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime. The Commissioner does not require the DLUHC to take any steps as a result of this decision notice.