Brent EIR Complaint Dismissed Over Bobby Moore Bridge

The ICO determined that London Borough of Brent correctly applied regulation 12(4)(e) of the Environmental Information Regulations to withhold information about the awarding of an advertising contract for the Bobby Moore Bridge. The council provided some background information but cited the internal communications exception for withheld material. The Commissioner found the balance of public interest favours maintaining the exception.

Public authorities handling EIR requests should note that internal communications may be withheld under regulation 12(4)(e) where the public interest in withholding outweighs disclosure. However, this was a fact-specific determination. The decision sets no new precedent but confirms the ICO's approach to applying the internal communications exception to commercial contract information.