Briefing packs and outcomes for the drugs consumption room at the Thistle facility: FOI release

Information requested

1. Briefing packs on drugs consumption rooms in reference to the opening of the Thistle facility on 13 January 2025.

2. What specific outcomes (KPIs) will be measured to determine the success of the Thistle DCR? How will these be measured in particular?

3. How will data be collected, when will the data first be evaluated and who will be collecting and evaluating the data?

Response

In respect to the first part of your request, I enclose a copy of most of the information you have requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data of a third party (their names and lived experience) and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018.

This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views) applies to some of the information you have requested. 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 the Minister to have a private space within which to seek advice and views from officials before reaching a settled public position. Disclosing the content of free and frank briefing material will substantially inhibit such briefing in the future.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. I have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption and have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of applying the exemption. I 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 free and frank advice to Ministers to explore and refine how work is to be undertaken.

In relation to the second part of your request, while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested. This is because the outcomes(KPIs) and success metrics for Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF) are overseen by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), who manage the project. The Scottish Government primarily provides funding to support the operational running and at this early stage does not yet hold the detailed data on its outcome or performance. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

In respect to the third part of your request, the information you have requested has been addressed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care with response provided by the Glasgow HSCP to address Annie Wells MSP’s question regarding the collection and publication of data at the SDCF, The Thistle which can be accessed here: Written question and answer: S6W-33217 | Scottish Parliament Website.

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.

You could also contact Glasgow HSCP directly to gather additional information through their email at foi@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

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 202500448512 - Information released - Annex

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