As part of our ongoing investigation into Cummins Ltd’s Darlington operations during the COVID‑19 lockdowns, The Cummins Accountability Project has submitted four information requests to public authorities. These requests seek to establish the facts behind the plant’s “essential‑services” status, emissions and safety compliance, local council involvement, and the policy guidance that authorised continued operation.
- Environment Agency (EIR Request)
We have asked the Environment Agency under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 to disclose:
• All environmental permits for the Yarm Road, Darlington DL1 4PW site, including risk assessments and related correspondence covering 23 March 2020 to 8 March 2021.
• Emissions monitoring data and records of any permit non‑compliances.
• All communications between Cummins Ltd and the Agency concerning COVID‑related exemption requests.
• Reports of site inspections, enforcement visits and notices issued during the same period. - Health & Safety Executive (FOI Request)
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, we have requested from the HSE:
• Inspection reports, visit notes and enforcement notices issued at the Darlington plant between 23 March 2020 and 8 March 2021.
• Records of any improvement or prohibition notices related to pandemic health‑and‑safety measures.
• Correspondence between HSE and Cummins Ltd regarding lockdown exemptions.
• Minutes or summaries of internal HSE meetings that discussed the site’s status. - Darlington Borough Council (FOI Request)
We have submitted a request to Darlington Borough Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for:
• All correspondence between the Council and Cummins Ltd relating to the plant’s “essential” designation during lockdown.
• Minutes or notes from council or officer meetings at which this status was considered.
• Records of any public complaints or enquiries about the plant’s continued operation from March 2020 to March 2021. - Cabinet Office (FOI Request)
Finally, we have asked the Cabinet Office, via the gov.uk portal, to disclose under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
• Any guidance, briefing notes or emails issued to local authorities or industry bodies regarding classification of engine‑manufacturing plants as essential services during the lockdown periods.
• Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and Cummins Inc., Cummins Ltd or their trade associations concerning exemption applications or policy on operational status.
Responses are due within the statutory 20‑working‑day period. We will publish all replies in full as they arrive, and will invite Cummins to comment on any findings relating to the plant’s operations during Covid lockdowns.
Lee Thompson – Founder, The Cummins Accountability Project