Special Adviser (SpAd) Register of interests and Severance Pay: FOI Release

Information requested

1. Could you supply the updated special adviser register of interests?

2. How much has been spent on paying off/severance payments for special advisers, in each of the last three years, with a breakdown by year and by how much each special adviser got?

Response

Question 1:

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested in an excel spreadsheet.

I enclose a copy of the Register as requested in the attached spreadsheet. While it is our aim to provide information wherever possible, it has not been possible to provide all of the information you have requested. This is because an exemption under S38(1)(b) of FOI(S)A applies to this information. You will note that the information in the attached spreadsheet contains a number of redactions under S38 (1) (b) of FOISA. Redactions have focussed on several areas, including where there has been information provided that, if released, would increase the likelihood of fraudulent activity; and where family members' information has been held (note that the interest has not been redacted, but rather the family member e.g. 'brother').

Question 2:

Some of the information you have requested is available from The Scottish Parliament Website. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested.

This exemption applies only to your request to receive a breakdown of the amount received by each special advisor. This exemption applies because disclosing the personal data would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5 (1) of the UK GDPR.

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 202400425442 - Information Released - Annex

File type

Excel document

File size

14.1 kB