Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

The complainant requested copies of correspondence and communications held by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) which were sent between HRH The Prince of Wales (or officials acting on his behalf), and the Secretary of State, about homelessness, housing and the Homewards initiative. The DLUHC withheld the information identified as being relevant to the request under section 37(1)(aa)(communications with the heir to the throne) and section 40(2) (personal information) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the DLUHC was correct to have determined that the information held that is relevant to the request is not environmental information, and should be considered under FOIA. Furthermore, the Commissioner finds that the DLUHC is entitled to rely on section 37(1)(aa) of FOIA as its basis for withholding this information.