Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The complainant has requested all pages from the Universal Credit online claim process. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) originally stated that it did not hold the requested information. However, during the course of the Commissioner’s investigation, it amended its position and relied on section 12(1) to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to rely on section 12(1) to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner also finds that DWP complied with its section 16(1) obligations to offer advice and assistance in relation to the request. No further steps are required.