Freedom of Information request appeal

After the LTC Accounting Officer Assessment (AOA) was finally published, we submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) for copies of the two IPA reviews on the LTC.

The LTC AOA referenced the IPA stage gate assessment review in November 2021 and also a follow-up IPA independent peer review in June 2022.

We feel it is important and in the public interest to know what is in these reviews of the LTC.  Particularly when they are being referenced in such an important document as the Accounting Officer Assessment. The AOA is supposed to offer transparency and guidance to Ministers who are making decisions about spending significant amounts of public money.

We submitted our FOI using WhatDoTheyKnow on the 6th January 2023.

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) comes under the remit of The Treasury and The Cabinet.  On 3rd February The Cabinet responded to advise that our FOI had been refused.

We have since instructed Leigh Day, who have responded to request an internal review of this decision, as a form of appeal.

Redacted - Letter to Cabinet Office dated 9 March 2023

 

The Cabinet have acknowledge the letter from Leigh Day on the 10th March and stated that they will endeavour to complete the internal review and respond to you within 20 working days.

We would like to thank our those who have made donations to TCAG for us to be able to take such actions when needed.  We also thank our friends at Transport Action Network who are co-funding this with us, because they recognise the importance of requesting such information.  We know things are tough for many right now, but if you are in a position that you would like to donate to TCAG funds for future actions as needed please see the details at the bottom of this update.  Together we are stronger, thanks!

We have also sent details about our appeal to the Public Accounts Committee, National Audit Office, and Transport Select Committee.

The Public Accounts Committee in particular have previously voiced concerns as to whether the IPA will be able to make use of its authority and influence to drive the change required throughout government.

We wait to see what responses we receive from those we have contacted, and will update further  as we hear back.

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