Department of Health and Social Care

The complainant requested from the Department of Health and Social Care (“DHSC”) information related to the polling on public opinion regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. The DHSC refused to provide the information requested, citing section 22(1) of FOIA as it stated that it intended to publish this information in the future. The Commissioner’s decision is that DHSC has incorrectly relied on section 22(1) on this occasion. The Commissioner requires DHSC to disclose the requested information to the complainant. DHSC must take these steps within 35 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.