The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice upholding a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust failed to respond to an FOI request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO has mandated that the Trust must provide the complainant with a substantive response within 30 calendar days from the date of the decision.

This decision highlights the importance of timely responses to FOI requests for public authorities, particularly within the health sector. The NHS Trust must take immediate action to comply with the ICO's directive by preparing and submitting the requested information within the specified 30-day timeframe. Failure to comply could result in further regulatory action by the ICO.