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In one line. A blanket refusal of an entire document — when only a portion is exempt — is itself a §10 violation. The PIO must sever exempt content and release the rest, with reasoning recorded in writing.
Where a request for access to information is rejected on the ground that it is in relation to information which is exempt from disclosure, then access may be provided to that part of the record which does not contain any information which is exempt from disclosure and which can reasonably be severed from any part that contains exempt information.
A blanket refusal of an entire document — when only a portion is exempt — is itself a §10 violation. The PIO must sever exempt content and release the rest, with reasoning recorded in writing.
Default to severance. Redact the exempt item (specific name, specific line, specific paragraph) and release the rest. Record the redaction reasoning in the order.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.