Department for Business & Trade (DBT)
- Date 6 October 2025
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 43(3): Not upheld, FOI 17(1): Upheld
The complainant requested confirmation from the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) that it opposed striking off two companies because they had outstanding Bounce Back Loans. DBT neither confirmed nor denied whether the requested information is held, citing section 43(3) (prejudice to commercial interests) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that DBT is entitled to rely on the exemption at section 43(3) to neither confirm nor deny whether the requested information is held. However, DBT breached section 17(1) by failing to issue its refusal notice within 20 working days of the request. The Commissioner does not require further steps.