Thank you, Llywydd. Members will be aware that section 18 of the Bill places a duty on NHS bodies and local authorities to supply the citizen voice body with such information as it reasonably requests for the purpose of carrying out its functions. The purpose of this amendment is to place a duty upon NHS bodies and local authorities to provide the citizen voice body with a written response outlining the reasons why it has refused to supply information requested. The duty would apply to any refusal made by an NHS body or local authority.

I think Members can understand that it would be possible to refuse information requests on a variety of bases, for example, the request may not be reasonable and the response should set out what is unreasonable about it; the request may not be related to the exercise of the citizen voice body’s functions; or it could be potentially unlawful to disclose the information requested. I think it is important that there is a requirement for these reasons to be provided in writing. I brought forward this amendment in response to the now Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee's representations, made after the Stage 1 process.

This amendment will add strength to section 18 of the Bill by placing this duty upon NHS bodies and local authorities to help ensure transparency, and demonstrate accountability when making those decisions. I hope that Members will support the amendment.