Publication - FOI/EIR release

Scottish Independence Referendum, Glasgow accounts and invoice: FOI release

Published: 15 September 2017
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

FOI reference: FOI/17/01960
Date received: 27 August 2017
Date responded: 14 September 2017

Information requested

A copy of the accounts submitted by the Counting Officer for the City of Glasgow in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.
Specifically, copies of Forms A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H.I,J,K and L.
Additionally, copies of the annexes to Form G.
Additionally, a copy of the invoice submitted by Idox to supply the Postal Vote Managed Service to the City of Glasgow Counting Officer, including to whom the invoice was made out (if the document structure follows UK elections, this will be an invoice listed in G8 Equipment).

Response

I am able to provide the information you have requested and this is included in the accompanying email. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance, however, we have had to make some redactions because exemptions under section s.38(1)(b) (personal information) and 33(1)(b) (commercial interests) of FOISA apply to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

You also asked for information on "to whom the invoice was made out" in relation to the Idox invoices. You will see that the invoice does not have a named contact but are addressed to the 'Development & Regeneration Services' at Glasgow City Council.

Reasons for not providing information

Personal Information.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data of a third party, i.e. names and contact details of individuals and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Schedule 1 to the Data Protection Act 1998 (individuals' names on Forms J & K). Redactions have been made as appropriate. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test' so we are not required to consider if the public interest test in disclosing he information outweights the public interest in apply the exemption.

Bank Account Details.

An exemption under section 33(1)(b) of FOISA (commercial interests) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure of this particular information would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of Glasgow City Council.

The account number of Glasgow City Council bank account on Form C, used by the Returning Officer, has been redacted in order to maintain confidentiality.

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