THE Cambrian News has complained to the Information Commissioner after Ceredigion County Council again refused to reveal details of its controversial contract with Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

After the council refused to reveal details of its contract with PwC in May, including the percentage the private consultancy firm receives from the council for savings made based on their suggestions, the Cambrian News complained and asked the council to conduct an internal review.

But the council has again refused to reveal the details of the contract, claiming that disclosure would harm the commercial interests of PwC, and that the information is confidential.

Ceredigion County Council’s head of policy, Alun Williams, wrote in his response: “Information is exempt if it was obtained by the council from any other person; and the disclosure (otherwise than under FOIA) would constitute a breach of confidence actionable by that person.

“Having considered the grounds for exemption under this exemption, I believe that overall the balance is in favour of maintaining confidentiality.

“Information is exempt if (a) it constitutes a trade secret; or (b) its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of any person (including the public authority holding it).

“Having considered the grounds for exemption under this exemption, I believe that overall the balance is in favour of continuing to apply this exemption. I believe that disclosure would prejudice the commercial interests of PwC.”

The Cambrian News has this week complained to the Information Commissioner’s Office in Cardiff, claiming the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the council’s reasons for non-disclosure.