You asked
How much was paid to the following for musical performances at ONS offices in May 2018:
Soul Sanctuary
The Bellagio Boys
We said
Thank you for your request.
We spent between £1500.00 and £2000.00 for the services of Soul Sanctuary and the Bellagio Boys.
As the requested information may affect the commercial interests of the two named bands we consider that the figures paid to each band is exempt from disclosure under Section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act – Commercial Interests.
A commercial interest in this respect relates to a person’s or businesses ability to participate competitively in a commercial activity. The release of this information will have a prejudicial effect on the commercial interests of the bands.
Section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act is a qualified exemption; therefore we are required to consider the ‘public interest’ test when we consider this exemption to be engaged. We acknowledge the public interest in transparency and accountability in relation to the spending of public money, however we conclude that there is minimal public interest prejudicing the commercial interests of third parties by releasing the exact figures paid.