FOI – Exempt information

A request for information can only be refused if:

  1. It falls under one of the exemptions
  2. The information is not actually held by the South West RDA
  3. The cost of providing the information exceeds £450

There are 23 exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. For further information see the Information Commissioner's Office website.

Where an exemption applies, we will tell you which one we have used, unless this would reveal the content of sensitive information. We will explain why an exemption applies to the information you have requested. If you are unhappy with the information disclosed to you, you can ask for an internal review.

Who will decide whether an exemption applies?

We have an FOI Decisions & Appeals Board made up of senior members of staff who will authorise any use of the exemptions. Any subsequent appeal or complaint will be dealt with by members of that Decisions & Appeals Board who were not involved in handling your original request.

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