Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

The complainant made a three-part request for specific information associated with the 2024 General Election. The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (‘DSIT’) said it did not hold the requested information for part 1 of the request. For parts 2 and 3, DSIT refused to provide the information, citing section 24(1) of FOIA – the exemption for national security. The complainant was only concerned with DSIT’s application of section 24(1) of FOIA. During the course of the Commissioner’s investigation, DSIT revised its position and provided the information at part 3 of the request. For part 2 of the request, DSIT disclosed the previously withheld report with redactions under section 24(1) of FOIA. The complainant remained dissatisfied with the redacted material within the disclosed report. The Commissioner’s decision is that DSIT has properly relied on section 24(1) of FOIA to withhold the redacted information within the disclosed report. No steps are required as a result of this notice.

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