TfW FOI Request - Cost of Security Guards TfW services - Internal Review

Date issued: 7 November 2019

In accordance with your request, we have carried out an internal review of Transport for Wales's handling of your FOI request.

Your original request 'how much money is spent on security guards deployed on trains in Wales in the last three months during the times of 0700 and 10000, 1600 and 1900, and 2000 and 0000' was rejected through the application of an exemption under section 38 of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) which states that ‘Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to— (a) endanger the physical or mental health of any individual, or (b) endanger the safety of any individual’.

You subsequently, on 5 November 2019, requested an internal review on the basis that ’The reasons provided could be responded to in a different format including the budget set aside for security guards, this would not include individual salaries therefore would not contravene Section 38 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000’.

I have undertaken this review because I am a member of the Transport for Wales Senior Management Team and I was not previously involved in the original response to your request. I have considered whether the application of an exemption under section 38 of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) was appropriate.

Having reviewed your request and noted your specific points, I am satisfied that section 38 of the Freedom of Information Act has been correctly applied in this instance.

Transport for Wales uses security guards to provide both a security and counter terrorism presence on its services and at stations. Transport for Wales is of the opinion disclosing the cost of security guards on our services as requested would reveal information about level of this presence for activities to prevent terrorism and protect both customers and staff from security risks. Disclosing this information could therefore undermine the effectiveness of Transport for Wales in carrying out this duty.

The timescales over which the information was requested for (the last three months) cover the period when there was a severe terrorist threat to the UK and disclosure of the information requested could put national security at risk by jeopardising or negating efforts to combat terrorism.

Transport for Wales is also of the opinion that disclosure of security guard costs would have an impact on the future effectiveness of security measures to counter extremism and protect its customers and staff, as any security company would be discouraged from engaging in future activities if they thought that the cost of their involvement would be made public.

If you remain dissatisfied with Transport for Wales’ response, you have the right of appeal to the Information Commissioner at: The ICO, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. Details of the appeal procedure can be found on the ICO website: http://www.ico.org.uk.

Yours sincerely

Geoff Ogden

Corporate Services Director