National Police Chiefs’ Council

The complainant has requested details of a “roundtable” meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (“the NPCC”). The NPCC advised that some of the information was not held and that the remainder was exempt from disclosure by virtue of sections 31(1)(a) and (b) (Law enforcement) of FOIA. At a late stage, the NPCC withdrew reliance on section 31 and introduced sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (ii), and 36(2)(c) (Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs) of FOIA, in its place. 

The Commissioner’s decision is that the NPCC was entitled to rely on sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (ii) of FOIA to refuse the request. No steps are required.