The reasons HEFCW gave for refusing release of the report are quoted as follows:
“HEFCW is not able to provide you with a copy of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales Review of University of Wales Lampeter (‘the Report’) as this is exempt from public disclosure under the following exemptions:
Having duly considered the Report contents, I have concluded that disclosure would affect current deliberations taking place regarding the future of University of Wales, Lampeter. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with greater detail of the effect of disclosure on University of Wales, Lampeter without directly referring to the Report contents.
Also:
Having duly considered the Report contents, I have concluded that disclosure would have a direct impact on the current commercial activities of the University of Wales, Lampeter and that there would be significant risk that disclosure would harm its commercial activities and interests. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with greater detail of the effect of disclosure on University of Wales, Lampeter without directly referring to the Report contents.
In considering the public interest in releasing this information, and after weighing the substantial prejudice likely to be caused by disclosure against the likely benefit to the wider public, I have concluded that disclosure would result in the greater harm to University of Wales, Lampeter.”
However, following a formal complaint to the Information Commissioner’
“Review of the University of Wales, Lampeter by HW Corporate Finance
Following the approval of the proposed merger of the University of Wales, Lampeter and Trinity University College, Carmarthen, we have reviewed the disclosability status of the HW (Haines Watts) Corporate Finance Report that was the subject of your information request of 28 April 2009.
Following this review, we have concluded that the Report can now be published in redacted form, and we attach a copy for your information. A copy of the redacted Report has also been sent to the Information Commissioner’
The battle for disclosure of the redacted sections of the report continues, but what is a cause for concern is that the report was withheld from the public while negotiations of the proposed merger with Trinity University College were taking place.
The report can be downloaded from http://www.lamp-
