Communications with ICO relating to Digital Inclusion Strategy

Summary

A request was made for emails between the Department of Health and Social Care and the Information Commissioner regarding the Digital Inclusion Strategy from May 2016 to May 2017. The authority responded that the information was not held as no such communications occurred during the specified period.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 23 May 2017 and responded to on 21 June 2017.
• The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed no emails were sent to the Information Commissioner's Office regarding the Digital Strategy during the requested timeframe.
• The refusal was based on the practical reason that the information is not held.
• The response was issued by the Freedom of Information Team under Chief Executive Malcolm Couch.
• Applicants have the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.

Data Disclosed

• 23 May 2017
• 21 June 2017
• 1 May 2016
• 23 May 2017
• IM89-252i
• FOIA/DHSC/1718/01
• 01624 642621

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held)

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Health and Social Care

Rheynn Slaynt as Kiarail y Theay

Page 1 of 2 FOIA/DHSC/1718/01

Chief Executive: Malcolm Couch

Freedom of Information Team Department of Health & Social Care Chief Executive’s Office Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man, IM1 3QA Tel: Email: Website: Date: FOI Reference: (01624) 642621 foi.dhsc@gov.im www.gov.im/dhsc 21 June 2017 IM89-252i

Dear REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2015 (“the Act”) Thank you for your request to the Department of Health and Social Care, dated 23 May 2017 Your request You asked for: Question 01: “Please can you release copies of all emails sent between the Department of Health and Social Care and the Information Commissioners from 1 May 2016 to the date of this request relating to the Digital Strategy/Digital Inclusion Strategy” Response to your request While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Department of Health and Social Care (“the Department”) is unable to provide the information you have requested in Question 01. This is in line with section 11(3)a of the Act, as a practical refusal reason applies; namely we do not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.
This is on the grounds that no emails have been sent between any Department staff and the Information Commissioners Office regarding the Digital Strategy/Digital Inclusion Strategy during the period requested, 1 May 2016 to 23 May 2017.
On behalf of the Department, the FOI Team apologises that on this occasion we have not been able to be of more assistance. Your right to request a review
If you are unhappy with this response to your Freedom of Information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post to the FOI Co-ordinator, Department of Health & Social Care, Chief Executive’s Officer, Crookall House, Demesne Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3QA.

Page 2 of 2 FOIA/DHSC/1718/01 An electronic version and paper version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website www.gov.im/about-the-government/freedom-of-information/how-to-make-a- freedom-of-information-request/ . Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on:

1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act; or
2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
   In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision.
   Further information about Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at: www.inforights.im/information-centre/freedom-of-information. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours Sincerely

Freedom of Information Team Department of Health and Social Care