DHSC Response and Next Steps
As part of our ongoing review into the classification of Cummins Ltd’s engine production activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Cummins Accountability Project (TCAP) submitted two Freedom of Information requests to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The requests sought to clarify:
- The number of emergency service vehicles, specifically ambulances, commissioned or deployed during March 2020 – March 2021;
- Whether any of those vehicles were fitted with Cummins engines, particularly those manufactured at the Darlington Engine Plant;
- Whether Cummins Ltd was regarded as a critical or key supplier during this period;
- And any internal correspondence relating to Cummins’ operational status.
DHSC’s Response (15 May 2025)
“DHSC does not hold the information you have requested.
However, you may wish to contact NHS England, which may hold information relevant to your request, as it funds ambulance services via ambulance trusts.”
— Freedom of Information Team, DHSC
A copy of their full letter has been retained on file. TCAP has written to DHSC to confirm that the above response applies to all elements of both submitted FOIs (references FOI-1605532 and FOI-1605710).
Next Steps
In line with their advice, a consolidated Freedom of Information request has now been submitted to NHS England. This seeks to obtain the data and correspondence DHSC was unable to provide, and to determine whether Cummins Ltd was treated as a critical supplier to the emergency vehicle supply chain.
We will continue to publish the outcomes of all FOI requests on this site as they are received.
TCAP remains committed to transparency and public accountability on this issue.
Lee Thompson
Founder, The Cummins Accountability Project