Leeds Beckett University

The complainant has requested information about applicants for a particular role at Leeds Beckett University (the university). The university provided some information but withheld other information, citing section 40(2) of FOIA. The university later confirmed that it did not hold some of the information relating to the first part of the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that the university appropriately applied section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold information. He has also concluded, on the balance of probability, that the university does not hold information regarding race and gender. In failing to confirm to the complainant within the legislative timeframe that it did not hold part of the information, the university breached section 1(1)(a) of FOIA. The Commissioner requires no further steps to be taken by the university. Information Tribunal FTT EA/2023/0421 appeal dismissed.