You asked
Based on the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to request access to Business enterprise research and development dataset containing information about R&D spending by the UK energy companies.
Please can you tell me how I can make an official request for data access?
We said
Thank you for your request.
We are unable to release the dataset requested as Section 39 of the Statistics and Registration Service Act (SRSA) 2007 makes it a criminal offence to disclose information held by the Statistics Board that would identify an individual or a body corporate. As the disclosure of this information is prohibited by another enactment, s.44 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 applies; S.44 is an absolute exemption and no consideration of the public interest test needs to be applied.
Our Secure Research Service (SRS) gives accredited or approved researchers secure access to de-identified, unpublished data in order to work on research projects for the public good. Most datasets are available to access through remote access to the SRS. In some instances, the data can only be accessed from an approved safe setting. Our data catalogue (XLS, 29.6KB) lists all available datasets and any associated access restrictions. Most access to data in the Secure Research Service (SRS) will be by researchers accredited under the DEA. The UK Statistics Authority has published further information on the criteria to be met in a Research Code of Practice and Accreditation Criteria. Application forms and guidance on how to complete them are available for download on the authority's website.