Dear Ibrahim,

The Council regularly deals with requests for information contained in contracts, for some of which we may seek exceptions or exemptions relating to protected commercial interests. Question is, how does that approach sit with the above Act which seems to envisage a right of full inspection where an interested person seeks access to contracts etc relating to audited accounts?

We have only found one reference on the ICO website which deals with the point by suggesting that as the materials are available under another regime (ie the Audit Commission Act) then the disclosure falls outside of FOI.

How then can we continue to seek commercial confidentiality exemption if we feels that is justified?

Thank you for your assistance,

With kind regards,

Diane Hayden, FOI Solicitor - ERYC Legal Services, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

tel 01482 393141