Department for Business and Trade

In a four part request, the complainant requested information about companies or sectors exporting to the European Union post Brexit.
The Department for Business & Trade (“DBT”) initially disclosed some information for questions 3 and 4 of the request and relied on section 1 (information not held) of FOIA for questions 1 and 2. In subsequent correspondence the complainant further clarified his request and DBT responded again citing section 12 (cost of compliance) of FOIA.
During the course of the Commissioner's investigation DBT confirmed that it sought to rely on section 12 (cost of compliance) of FOIA to refuse the entire request.
The Commissioner’s decision is that DBT was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse the entire request. The Commissioner also finds that DBT complied with its section 16 obligation to offer advice and assistance.
The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.