Placed Based Investment Programme (PBIP) funding and methodology of bids: FOI release

Information requested

Information regarding North Ayrshire Council’s allocation from the Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) in 2024/25.

In particular, you have asked us to provide the following:

“1. Confirmation of North Ayrshire's allocation from PBIB in 2024/25, including details of the funded project(s)
2. A copy of the completed scoring matrix / methodology used by the Scottish Government to assess the bids that the Council submitted for the PBIB
3. A copy of all communications between the Scottish Government and North Ayrshire Council regarding the PBIB since the 1st June 2024.”

Response

The financial position in 2024/25 has been exceptionally challenging and the Scottish Government continues to operate in a volatile period with enhanced spending controls in place.

Over recent months, we noted the concerns raised by local authorities regarding delays to a decision over the PBIP funding position. As such, in July officials were authorised to release up to 50% of PBIP funding allocations for local authorities. This was subject to careful consideration of each council’s request, only authorising release of funding to specific projects which are: already well underway; at risk of stalling imminently; where existing investment needs to be protected; and where there is a need to protect against the loss of match funding. It was made clear to councils that funding cannot be used to support new projects or projects that will incur capital costs in future years from this fund.

In early October, Scottish Ministers made the difficult and final decision to hold the remaining PBIP funding for local authorities in 2024/25 to help offset wider financial pressures.

1. Confirmation of North Ayrshire's allocation from PBIB in 2024/25, including details of the funded project(s)

North Ayrshire Council received an allocation of £75,000 from PBIP in 2024/25, which is to be used towards the Lochshore Improvements project, to support works to conclude Phase 1 of the Lochshore Masterplan, including detailed design and delivery of access, green space, infrastructure and facility improvements. It is also to support environmental improvements and activity undertaken by the Friends of Lochshore community group and the Community Engagement Officer. Attached to this letter are a number of documents which we have identified in relation to your request(s).

In response to your first request, document files are numbered and described as follows:

1(b)	Email confirmation of North Ayrshire Council's PBIP allocation in 2024/25.
2	Copy of North Ayrshire Council's PBIP grant offer letter for 2024/25, which provide details of the funded project.

2. A copy of the completed scoring matrix / methodology used by the Scottish Government to assess the bids that the Council submitted for the PBIB

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some information to your second request because an exemption under Section 17(1) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained in Annex (Section 1) to this letter.

Though we do not hold information of a completed scoring matrix, the Scottish Government put into consideration the following points in order to assess the criticality and urgency of funding for each project requested by local authorities. This would subsequently lead to a decision for the release of PBIP funds.

• The stage at which the project has progressed (i.e. if it is considered new or well underway).
• The degree of risk of losing value for money of previous investment (i.e. considering the amount of investment expended to date towards the project, including sources of funding and match funding).
• The degree of risk of the project stalling and considering how funding would help to mitigate against those risks.
• Whether funding is required beyond 2024/25, which may give rise to the requirement of capital funding in future years.
• The amount of future funding already secured towards the project.

3. A copy of all communications between the Scottish Government and North Ayrshire Council regarding the PBIB since the 1st June 2024

In response to your third request, document files are numbered and described as follows:

3	Email exchange between SG and North Ayrshire Council
4(b)	Email exchange between SG and North Ayrshire Council
5(b)	Email exchange between SG and North Ayrshire Council
6	Email exchange between SG and North Ayrshire Council
7(b)	Email exchange between SG and North Ayrshire Council
8(b)	Email exchange between SG and North Ayrshire Council

Please note that for all documents attached, Section 38(1)(b) of FOISA has been applied. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained in Annex (Section 2) to this letter.

ANNEX
REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

1. The Scottish Government does not have the information (Section 17(1)) The Scottish Government does not have information regarding a copy of a completed scoring matrix/methodology used by the Scottish Government to assess the bids that the Council submitted for the PBIP. This is a formal notice under Section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

2. An exemption applies, subject to the public interest test (Section 38(1)(b)) An exemption under Section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to all of the information you have requested within the attached documents. This exemption has been applied in order to protect the personal information of officials.

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.

About FOI

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 202400436877 - Information Released - Annex

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