Information Commissioner's Office

Department of Health

10 May 2016, Central government

The complainant has requested information on any meetings between the Chair of a Pay Review Body and politicians/civil servants to discuss the document on doctors and dentists contract reform. The Department of Health identified a number of documents including briefings, minutes and information provided to oral evidence sessions which it considered exemption on the basis of section 35(1)(a) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the DoH has correctly applied the section 35(1)(a) exemption and balanced the public interest appropriately to withhold the majority of this information. However, he finds the public interest favours disclosure in relation to the information contained in two documents. The Commissioner requires the public authority to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Disclose the information contained in the following two documents: (2) PSH brief for meetings with Chair of the Pay Review Bodies – Sept 2014; and (1) PSP brief for meetings with DDRB – July 15.

FOI 35: Partly upheld