ICO FOI Decision: Charity Commission and Section 31

ICO Decision Notices

Filed February 20th, 2026

Detected February 26th, 2026

Summary

The ICO has issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request handled by the Charity Commission. The Commissioner found that the Charity Commission correctly applied section 31 of FOIA, and the public interest favoured withholding the requested information. No further steps are required.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ruled that the Charity Commission correctly applied section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) when refusing a request for information concerning investigations into a named charity. The Commissioner determined that the public interest favoured withholding the information, upholding the Charity Commission's decision. This decision relates to case number IC-435036-B9M4.

This decision has no direct compliance implications for regulated entities as it concerns the application of FOIA exemptions by a public body. No specific actions are required from compliance officers, and there are no deadlines or penalties associated with this notice. It serves as an informational update on the ICO's handling of a specific FOI appeal.

Source document (simplified)

Charity Commission for England and Wales

Date 20 February 2026
Sector Central government, Other
Decision(s) FOI 31: Not upheld The complainant has requested information on investigations into a named charity. The Charity Commission refused the request under section 31 FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Charity Commission has correctly applied section 31(1)(g) and the public interest favours withholding the information. No steps are required.