Department of Health and Social Care
- Date 2 October 2023
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 1: Upheld, FOI 10: Upheld, FOI 17: Upheld
The complainant requested information about DHSC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DHSC originally refused the request under section 35(1) of FOIA (formulation of government policy) but subsequently disclosed the information. The Commissioner’s decision is that DHSC breached sections 1(1)(b), 10(1) and 17(1) of FOIA. This is because it didn’t communicate the requested information, or issue a refusal notice initially, within the statutory time frame of 20 working days. It’s not necessary for DHSC to take any corrective steps.