Briefing materials for launch of Joseph Rowntree’s Poverty in Scotland report: FOI release

Information requested

In relation to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice’s attendance at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Poverty in Scotland report launch, a copy of the briefing materials provided to the Cabinet Secretary in preparation for her appearance at the report launch.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some the information you have requested because an exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to that information. Section 38(1)(b) relates to personal data the disclosure of which would contravene data protection principles. As such, we have redacted the names and other identifying information of private individuals and Scottish Government officials.

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

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 some 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 high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications. Their candour in doing so will be affected by their assessment of whether the discussions on policy development will be disclosed in the near future, when it may undermine or constrain the Government’s view on that policy while it is still under discussion and development.

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

FOI 202400435415 - Information released - Annex

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