Request

I am writing to express my gratitude for providing the uptake data for the Healthy Start Scheme in Islington. Your assistance in this matter has been invaluable to our ongoing efforts.

However, we have recently become aware of a data issue that has led to an overestimation of the eligible population. In light of this, I would like to request another Freedom of Information (FOI) request for the uptake data, specifically focusing on the date and time periods before and after the data issue was rectified.

If possible, I kindly request access to the uptake data by ward for June 2023 (prior to the data issue) and March 2024 (after the data issue has been rectified). This information will greatly aid our analysis and decision-making processes moving forward.

Response

A copy of the information is attached.

Notice – eligibility and uptake statistics

Please note that, due to an issue with a data feed at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the number of eligible beneficiaries reported between July 2023 and February 2024 was incorrect, which means that the calculated uptake percentage was overstated. This issue did not impact any NHS Healthy Start individual applicants, existing beneficiaries, or payments. Further details can be found at the below web links.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-03-26/hcws389

https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthcare-professionals/

In light of the above, we advise that the eligibility data for June 2023 to February 2024 should not be relied upon. We have supplied this as this is the information which was held when you submitted your request, and the FOIA requires disclosure of information even if it is inaccurate.

We can advise that all of the data on the number of people in receipt of the benefit is correct, and the eligibility data for March 2024 is correct.

Data Queries

If you have any queries regarding the data provided, or if you plan on publishing the data please contact foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk ensuring you quote the above reference. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data, please contact communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2024” This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.