ICO Decision on Cabinet Office FOI Exemptions

ICO Decision Notices

Filed March 5th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding the Cabinet Office's use of FOI exemptions. The ICO found that the Cabinet Office was entitled to rely on sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (c) of the FOIA to withhold certain information related to interactions with BlackRock.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ruled that the Cabinet Office was justified in withholding certain information concerning its interactions with BlackRock, citing exemptions under sections 36(2)(b)(i) and 36(2)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) related to prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs. This decision follows an investigation where the Cabinet Office initially cited different exemptions but later revised its position.

As the Commissioner requires no further steps to be taken, there are no immediate compliance actions for regulated entities. This decision pertains specifically to the application of FOI exemptions by a central government body and does not impose new obligations on other organizations.

Source document (simplified)

Cabinet Office

Date 5 March 2026
Sector Central government
Decision(s) FOI 36(2)(b)(i): Not upheld, FOI 36(2)(c): Not upheld The complainant has requested information regarding interactions between the UK Government and BlackRock. The Cabinet Office provided some information. It redacted the remaining information citing section 35(1)(a)-formulation of government policy and section 43(2)- commercial interests. During the course of the investigation the Cabinet Office changed its position. It provided further information to the complainant and redacted the remaining citing 36(2)(b)(i), and 36(2)(c)- prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Cabinet Office was entitled to rely on sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (c) to withhold the remaining information. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken as a result of this decision.