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Department of Health and Social Care

  • Date 2 September 2021
  • Sector Central government
  • Decision(s) FOI 14: Upheld

The complainant has requested emails sent and received by the Chief Medical Officer, during March 2020, that contain the phrase ‘herd immunity’. This includes attachments. The Commissioner’s decision is that DHSC has failed to demonstrate on what grounds section 14(1) is engaged and therefore is not entitled to rely on the exemption.
The Commissioner requires the DHSC to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: Issue a fresh response to the request which does not rely upon section 14(1).