Acknowledgement

Freedom of Information request: F0003528

Dear Julian Todd

Thank you for your request of 14 December 2009 seeking the release of the deliverables from the Tribal Spend Count and Deep Dive contract (ANS020355).

Your request was received by Communities and Local Government on 14 December 2009 and has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

I am writing to advise you that some information on the spend count, which is already available, is being provided. However, the Department cannot release other information requested as either it does not hold it, or it will be published at a future date.

The methodology and results from this research project are developing as evidence is gathered. The local pilots themselves have taken on independent responsibility for collecting the spend count and deep dive evidence. A summary of the local spend count figures is provided as the local pilots have already released this. Other deliverables from the contract cannot be developed until the deep dive reports have been submitted by the pilots.

Further information is being withheld under Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act as it is scheduled for publication.

Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act provides that information is exempt if the information is held by the public authority with a view to its publication by the authority or any other person, at some future date. In applying the Section 22 exemption we have had to balance the public interest in withholding the information against the public interest in disclosing the information.

The public has an interest in permitting public authorities to publish information in a manner and form and at a time of their own choosing. It is a part of the effective conduct of public affairs that the general publication of information is a conveniently planned and managed activity within the reasonable control of public authorities. The Department, with assistance from Tribal Consulting, will compile information submitted by the pilots into a final Research Report for release scheduled in Spring 2010. On balance, and in all the circumstances of the particular case, we have concluded that at this time the public interest is best served by maintaining the exemption.

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case was provided in an earlier communication on this topic. This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the authority's review.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours,

Jonathan Rhind

Analytical Services Directorate

Eland House, Bressenden Place,

London, SW1E 5DU

Telephone: 0303 44 42255

Email: [email address]