Correspondence regarding ferry fares increase: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Information requested
1. All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Transport Scotland regarding the 10% increase to Ferry fares on the 1st January 2025?
2. All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and CALMAC regarding the 10% increase to Ferry fares on the 1st January 2025?
3. All other correspondence from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport regarding the 10% increase to Ferry fares on the 1st January 2025?
Response
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.
This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested in your second and third questions.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some the information you have requested in your first question because exemption(s) of FOISA apply to that information under sections 29(1)(a) (formulation or development of Scottish Government policy), 38(1)(b) (Personal data relating to a third party), 30(b)(ii) (Free and frank exchange of views), and 33(1)(b) (Commercial interests).
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 exemptions. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the requirement of private space to discuss policy, the requirement for personal information to be kept private, the requirement for a free and frank exchange of views between officials and Ministers, and to prevent a detrimental effect on commercial interests.
About FOI
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Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
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