Further to the attachment to question for written answer 32031 (2026), how many of the 152 consents granted in the 2025/26 financial year had the transaction value withheld, and under which section of the Official Information Act 1982 or the Overseas Investment Act 2005 was each withholding made, if any?

Answer

Out of the 152 consents granted, 75 had their transaction value (consideration) withheld. The most common reason for "Confidential" consideration values is protection of commercially sensitive information under section 9(2)(b)(ii) of the Official Information Act 1982. Disclosure could unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the applicant, vendor, or another party to the transaction. A significant number of these are withheld for a limited period (3, 6 or 12 months), after which time the information will be released.