Ministerial advice on Man Utd takeover reports should be released

ICO press release 13 Dec 2007

"The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, has ruled under the Freedom of Information Act that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) must release documents relating to the takeover of Manchester United Football Club.

The ruling follows a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) by a member of the public who wrote to the DCMS requesting copies of all documents, minutes and emails relating to the takeover of Manchester United FC by Malcolm Glazier's company, Red Football Ltd.
...
In his decision, the Information Commissioner took the view that the timing of the request was important and the request was made after the policy formulation and development process had effectively ended. In addition, the Information Commissioner noted that the disclosure of advice given by government officials in this case would not inhibit government officials from giving frank advice. Weighing up the arguments, the Commissioner found that the public interest favoured disclosure of the information."

Full press release (Pdf)

Decision notice fs_50121684 (Pdf)