UK Health Security Agency

The complainant requested information from the Department of Health & Social Care (“DHSC”) relating to a round table meeting held with PCR test providers. DHSC refused to comply with the request citing section 12 (cost limit) of FOIA. Although the request was initially made to DHSC, the UK Health Security Agency (“UKHSA”) has taken over the handling of this request as the subject matter now falls within its remit. The Commissioner’s decision is that UKHSA was entitled to refuse to comply with the request in accordance with section 12(1) of FOIA. The Commissioner also finds that UKHSA complied with its obligations under section 16 to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner does not require UKHSA to take any steps.