Yet another decision that strengthens the public’s right to see information about deals that are kept secret due to “commercial confidentiality”. This decision makes it clear that, in just about all circumstances, this excuse will not wash. ALL details must be disclosed that do not reveal a particular business model.

Oh, oh Pegasus … looks like your deal might be one of those that has to be published in the public domain …

“The Commissioner noted that the arguments underpinning both the LLDC’s and the football club’s position were that disclosure would reveal elements of a business strategy which could be exploited by competitors.
The Commissioner said he acknowledged that the agreement included specific details of the terms on which West Ham used the Olympic Stadium and the obligations placed on the club based on its performance. He also accepted that at the time of the request contracts relating to some of the services provided by the stadium had still to be negotiated.
However, the Commissioner said the LLDC and West Ham had failed to demonstrate the specific way that the information at issue could be exploited by a competitor and, or how disclosure would place either party at a commercial disadvantage.
“In coming to this view, the Commissioner does not dispute that WHUFC operates in a highly competitive field. Yet, the Commissioner also considers that the terms of the Agreement that have been requested do not drill down to the specific business model adopted by WHUFC,” he said.

http://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24419:ico-tells-olympic-legacy-body-to-disclose-details-of-deal-with-west-ham&catid=53&Itemid=21