Review of publicly funded advice services: FOI release

FOI reference: FOI/18/00681
Date received: 27 February 2018
Date responded: 23 March 2018

Information requested

Request for information regarding the 'Review of Publicly-funded Advice Services in Scotland publication'. Within a specifically local authority:

1. What literature was considered in terms of local authority Advice Services as part of the literature review?

2. From a local authority Advice Service perspective who was involved in the online survey?

3. Who from Scottish local authority Advice Services was involved in 'meetings with key organisations?

4. Any intention to give a more exclusive focus to the provision of Type III advice?

Response

This research was commissioned by Scottish Ministers to external researchers Blake Stevenson. The primary purpose of the research was a review of existing literature. This was a small piece of work and therefore representative organisations were involved rather than engagement directly with all local authorities, which was not in the specification of the work. However, the researchers worked closely with the Improvement Service who have relevant expertise, including data gathering from local authorities about their money advice provision.

Question 1

The bibliography for the work can be found on page 82 of the report or from the link: http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0053/00531600.pdf

Question 2

I have attached below the survey distribution list.

Question 3

I can confirm that representatives from the Improvement Service, COSLA and the Scottish Local Government Partnership were invited to the initial stakeholder event that helped to inform the research.

Question 4

My policy colleagues inform me that Type III work includes some activities that can only be undertaken by lawyers. Some advice services make onward referrals to legal services for this type of advice whilst some have this legal expertise in house. In our review of Scottish Government support for advice services, we will be considering the findings of The Independent Review of Legal Aid, which recognises the role of advice services outside of the legal system in advising on rights and remedies and assisting with problem resolution, as provision of legal assistance.

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FoI response 00681.doc

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