Middlesbrough Council
- Date 17 June 2025
- Sector Local government
- Decision(s) FOI 31: Upheld
The complainant requested copies of communications between Middlesbrough Council (the Council), Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Commission. The Council provided some information, and cited section 31 of FOIA to withhold the remaining information falling within the scope of the request.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council is not entitled to rely on section 31, as it has failed to demonstrate that the exemption is engaged.
The Commissioner requires the Council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation - Disclose the withheld information, with any personal data redacted under section 40(2) (personal information) as appropriate.