Work undertaken by IOD PARC in relation to COP26: FOI release

Information requested

1) In regards to the work undertaken by IOD PARC in relation to COP26, the following:

1a) The scoping study outlining the strategy and approach by which the Scottish Government, through our role as co-chair of the Under 2 Coalition during COP26 delivered by IOD PARC.

1b) The delivered narrative and set of key messages to be deployed at COP26 and beyond which was considered mandatory in the initial contract specification.

1c) The assessment of what data and evidence exists to demonstrate the empirical and political value state and regional governments can add to global climate action; the dependencies at strategic and sectoral level with national government action; and an analysis of areas where data could useful be developed in future, all delivered by IOD PARC to the Scottish Government.

1d) The presentation suitable for multiple audiences outlining the importance and role of states and regional governments also outlined in the contract.

Response

I attach a copy of some of the information you requested at the separately attached annex.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 30(b)(ii) (substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained the base of this reply.

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION
Exemptions apply, subject to the public interest test: 30(b)(ii) - substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views.

An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views) applies to some of the information requested because the information relates to deliberation/exchanges of views on particular issues. These exemptions are subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, this is outweighed by the view that there is a greater public interest in ensuring officials – both within Scottish Government and in other stakeholders with which we engage – have the freedom to express, exchange and deliberate views on topics of sensitivity. There are several factors to this weighting, including: the circumstances in which the views were given (during policy formulation around sub national approaches to/roles in tackling climate change); and timing, when disclosure could harm both the development of such approaches and inhibit officials’ future exchange of views.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI - 202200276511 - Information Released - Annex A

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9 page PDF

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