University of Cambridge

The complainant has requested information from the University of Cambridge (the University) relating to a news article, and to the membership of the University Tribunal. The University has refused to confirm or deny that it holds this information under section 40(5B)(a)(i) of FOIA, as it believes that to do so would disclose personal data, and that this disclosure would contravene data protection legislation. The Commissioner’s decision is that the University is not entitled to rely on section 40(5B)(a)(i) to refuse to confirm or deny that it holds any of the information requested. However, he finds the University has complied with its obligations under section 16 of FOIA. The Commissioner requires the University to confirm or deny if it holds any information within the scope of part 1 of the request and, if it does, to either provide that information or issue an appropriate refusal notice. He also requires the University to either provide any information it holds within the scope of part 2 of the request or issue an appropriate refusal notice.