Catering feedback (2021)

Response

Please note in the first instance that comments, complaints and compliments for our catering services are collated by the House of Commons Feedback team. This feedback often cites more than one venue – it may relate to ‘all cafeterias’ rather than just the Terrace Cafeteria, for example. In addition, it may also refer to more generic matters rather than a specific location, such as a comment on all prices charged in our venues. For this reason, please understand that it is impossible to comprehensively disaggregate feedback about specific catering outlets.

However, catering feedback is held by the House of Commons.

We frequently receive requests for information on this topic so, to reduce the burden on the public purse, summaries of feedback are proactively published on a quarterly basis. Information from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 is already publicly available. This information is exempt from disclosure in accordance with section 21(1) and (2)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), which removes a public authority from the obligation to provide access to information which is already in the public domain.  This is an absolute exemption and the public interest test does not apply.

It may help you to know that information relevant to your request regarding catering feedback can be found on our transparency web pages.

Catering feedback from 1 July 2021 to the date of your request is intended for future publication before Christmas 2021. This information you have requested is being withheld under section 22 FOIA. This is a qualified exemption, and we have to consider whether the public interest is in withholding the information or in disclosing it. The arguments for and against disclosure are detailed below.
The general argument in favour of releasing information is that there is a public interest in being able to scrutinise aspects of the House of Commons where that information might be easy to access and will not prejudice the House. The argument against disclosure is the public 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. Where the decision has been made in principle to publish, there is a reasonable entitlement to make arrangements to do so.