ICO Order to DWP to disclose ID report

Thanks to Jacky Smith via FIPR alerts for providing a link to the Information Commissioner's Decision Notice ordering the Department for Work and Pensions to hand over information about the likely effect of the introduction of identity cards on the department's operations.

"DWP refused the request on the grounds that the information relates to the formulation or development of government policy, and because releasing the information would prejudice commercial interests. The Commissioner's decision is that the public interest lies in the release of the information and that release will not prejudice commercial interests."

Richard Thomas has been consistently concerned about the government's planned ID card scheme and here has taken the opportunity afforded by the complaint of encouraging the government to be more open about it.