Ill Health and Disability Stakeholder Reference Group: durations of awards: FOI release

Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.


FOI reference: FOI/18/02177 
Date received: 14 August 2018
Date responded: 7 September 2018
 
Information requested
 
  • Durations of Awards
  • Experience Panels Research Plan
Referred to within the minutes of the Ill Health and Disability Stakeholder Reference Group meeting held December 2017.
Response
The Experience Panels Research Plan is available at /policies/social-security/engagement-on-social-security/
 
Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide a full copy of the Duration of Awards paper you have requested because an exemption under section(s) s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained below.
A version of this paper with redactions is attached.
Reasons for not providing information
An exemption applies, subject to the public interest test
An exemption under section s.29(1)(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested.
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 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 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.
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-18-02177 - related documents

Contact

Please quote the FOI reference
Central Enquiry Unit 
Email: ceu@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000 
The Scottish Government 
St Andrew's House 
Regent Road 
Edinburgh 
EH1 3DG

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