DWP Central Freedom of Information Team
Annex A
e-mail: freedom-of-information-re
xxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Our Ref: FOI 0326
DATE 08 February 2012
Annex A
Dear Frank Zola,
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request which we received on 25 January 2012. In
that request, you asked:
I want the names of the placement providers for Mandatory Work Activity during
the last six months in:
CPA 1, CPA 2, and CPA 3; and if within your fees for CPA 4, CPA 5, and CPA 6;
and if within your fees for CPA 7, CPA 8, and CPA 9; and if within your fees for
CPA 10 and CPA 11 for your successful bidders
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/supplying-dwp/what-we-buy/welfare-to-work-services/notices-to-
providers/mandatory-work-activity-preferred.shtml
The information you request is being withheld under Section 43 of the FOI Act which relates to
the commercial interests of both the Department and those delivering services on our behalf. I
consider that the exemption applies because it is intended to protect the ability of the
Department to obtain goods or services on the best possible commercial terms and to protect
the legitimate commercial interests of our suppliers. I maintain that the information you seek
falls into this category.
As required by the Act in respect of the Section 43 exemption, I have also considered whether
the balance of the public interest comes down in favour of not complying with your request. I
consider that there is no overarching public interest argument in favour of releasing this
information for the following reasons:
The release of the information as requested could potentially damage the commercial interests
of organisations providing work placements and inhibit or limit the ability of the Department to
obtain the best services to help people make the transition into work.
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number
above.
Yours sincerely,
DWP Central FoI Team
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Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team, 5th Floor The Adelphi, 1-11, John Adam Street,
London WC2N 6HT. Any review request should be submitted within two months of the date of this letter.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have
exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information
Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF www.ico.gov.uk