Department of Health and Social Care
- Date 13 October 2021
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 10: Upheld, FOI 35(1)(a): Not upheld
The complainant has requested a copy of the DPIA conducted into the NHS test and trace programme. The Department of Health and Social care withheld this information under section 35(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the DHSC is entitled to rely upon section 35(1)(a) as a basis for refusing to disclose the requested information. However, in failing to provide its response within 20 working days, the DHSC breached section 10 (time for compliance with request) of the FOIA. The Commissioner requires no further steps.