Department For Education (DFE)
- Date 6 October 2025
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 36(2)(b): Not upheld, FOI 36(2)(b)(i): Not upheld, FOI 36(2)(b)(ii): Not upheld, FOI 36(2)(c): Not upheld
The complainant requested a ‘safety valve’ monitoring report provided to the Department for Education (DfE) by Southwark Council.
The DfE relied on the exemptions at sections 36(2)(b)(i), 36(2)(b)(ii), and 36(2)(c) of FOIA to withhold the requested information.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the DfE was entitled to rely on sections 36(2)(b)(i) (free and frank provision of advice), 36(2)(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation), and 36(2)(c) (prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs) of FOIA to withhold all of the requested information.
The Commissioner does not require further steps.