Newport City Council

The complainant requested copies of correspondence and communications between HRH The Prince of Wales (or officials acting on his behalf) and specific individuals and departments within Newport City Council (the Council) regarding issues around homelessness, rough sleepers, provision of housing and the Homewards initiative. The Council disclosed some information and withheld other information under sections 37(1)(aa) (communications with the heir to or second in line to the Throne) and 41 (information provided in confidence). During the course of the Commissioner’s investigation the Council disclosed some additional information relevant to the request, maintained its reliance on section 37 for some information, withdrew reliance on section 41 and instead sought to rely on section 40(2) (personal information). The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the Council does not hold any further information falling within the scope of the request, and it is entitled to rely on sections 37(1)(aa) and 40(2) as its basis for refusing to provide the remaining withheld information. The Commissioner does not require any steps to be taken.