Sustainable Growth Commission: FOI release

I enclose a copy of the information you requested in Annex I.  In some instances, part of the information requested has been withheld or redacted for the following reasons:

An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the formulation of policy on Scottish Government progamme for Government.

An exemption under Section 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii) free and exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation (in relation to Ministerial briefings and lines to take and in relation to meetings with external stakeholders) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss and explore options before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view. Disclosing the content of free and frank discussions on Sustainable Growth Commission Report will substantially inhibit such discussions in the future, particularly because these discussions are still ongoing and decisions have not been taken.