Publication - FOI/EIR release

Moving On Fund correspondence: FOI release

Published: 15 August 2024
Topic: Public sector, Ukraine
FOI reference: FOI/202300385927
Date received: 20 November 2023
Date responded: 18 December 2023

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

Information requested

The advice to Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Minister for Housing on options for the £30m “Moving On Fund” consequentials from UKG

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance, some of the information you have requested is withheld under section 30(b)(i) of FOISA (free and frank provision of advice). This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice. This exemption recognises the need for officials to have a private space within which to provide free and frank advice to Ministers before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view. Disclosing the content of free and frank advice could substantially inhibit the provision of such advice in the future.

This exemption is 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 a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can provide full and frank advice to Ministers, as part of the process of exploring and refining the Government’s policy position. This private thinking space is essential to enable all options to be properly considered, based on the best available advice, so that sound and robust policy decisions can be taken.

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.