Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

The complainant requested information about the powers available to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to investigate and take action against Woking Borough Council’s (the Council) councillors or members. DLUHC confirmed it held the information requested but that it was exempt under section 21. During the internal review process it became apparent that DLUHC had interpreted the request differently from the complainant. The Commissioner has therefore considered whether an objective reading of the request was carried out by DLUHC. The Commissioner’s decision is that there is only one objective reading of the request and that DLUHC interpreted the request in line with this objective reading. The Commissioner does not require any steps to be take.