FOIA Section 29 Exemption

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Section 29: The Economy Exemption

Section 29 applies to information whose disclosure would be likely to prejudice the economic or financial interests of the United Kingdom or of any administration in the United Kingdom.

Key points:

  • Departments should be alive to the need to consult with HM Treasury when considering this exemption
  • Section 29 is subject to a public interest balance;

Official DCA guidance: http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/guidance/exguide/sec29/index.htm

What the law says

29 The economy

(1) Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice—
(a) the economic interests of the United Kingdom or of any part of the United Kingdom, or
(b) the financial interests of any administration in the United Kingdom, as defined by section 28(2).
(2) The duty to confirm or deny does not arise if, or to the extent that, compliance with section 1(1)(a) would, or would be likely to, prejudice any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1).


ICO Lines To Take

Relevant Lines to Take
  • LTT13 - Prejudice test - 05/01/2009


Decision Notices

Complaints upheld / partly upheld (P) Complaints not upheld
  • FS50128406 - Export Credits Guarantee Department - 23/02/2009
  • FS50108985 - Department of Finance and Personnel (NI) - 29/11/2006
  • FS50105898 - HM Treasury - 21/11/2006

Includes DNs up to: 26 April 2010





Freedom of Information Act 2000
Exemptions
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