Department of Health and Social Care

The complainant has requested DHSC to disclose copies of internal assessments/reviews on the Covid pandemic. DHSC refused to disclose the requested information citing section 35(1)(a) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that while section 35(1)(a) of FOIA is engaged, the public interest in favour of maintaining the exemption is outweighed by the public interest in favour of disclosure. He therefore requires DHSC to disclose the requested information to the complainant.