The complainant has requested information regarding a private finance initiative (PFI) contract which led to the construction of new school buildings in Lewisham. Lewisham Council (the Council) had originally stated that minutes relating to the PFI contract were not held, and that the contract itself was being withheld as disclosure would prejudice its commercial interests (exemption at section 43 of the Act). However, the Council subsequently confirmed to the Commissioner that copies of the minutes are held and has also informed him that it has removed its reliance on section 43 to withhold the PFI contract. The Commissioner requires the public authority to issue a fresh response to the complainant in light of its revised position regarding the requested information it has not disclosed.
Section of Act/EIR and Finding: FOI 1 – Complaint Upheld
Citations:
[2013] UKICO FS50422901
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Information
Updated: 21 July 2022; Ref: scu.528112