Our Ref:         FOI-1227-1819

Thank you for your request received on 1 August 2018 asking for information about the Garden Bridge Trust.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.

The Garden Bridge Trust wrote to TfL on 26 July 2018 with a request for payment under the underwriting facility, which is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT). We are currently reviewing the Trust’s request on behalf of the DfT and no money has been paid against the underwriting.

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply some of the information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2).

In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied to the amount requested. Disclosure would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests, as well as those of the DfT and the Garden Bridge Trust as it could impact upon the Garden Bridge Trust’s claim against the underwriting whilst we review their request.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance ensuring that we are able to obtain the best value for public money outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.

If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]