Details of any communication the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue service over the suspension of Chief Officer Martin Blunden: FOI release

Information requested

Details of any communication the Scottish Governement has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue service over the suspension of the organisation’s Chief Officer Martin Blunden.

Response

A copy of some of the information you requested is attached.

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 exemptions under sections Section 36(2) (actionable breach of confidence), Section 30(b) (free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

ANNEX
REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION
An exemption applies
Exemptions under Section 36(2) (actionable breach of confidence) and Section 38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The information relates to personal circumstances and a confidential matter concerning an individual. The information was provided ‘in confidence’ and the information contained was received in circumstances which imposed an obligation to maintain confidence. 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 applies, subject to the public interest test
An exemption under Section 30(b) (free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views) applies to some of the information you have requested. The exemption applies to information forming free and frank provision of advice for the purposes of developing a position in relation to a confidential issue. 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 release because of interest in the fire and rescue service and transparent Government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in the position being discussed at stages of consideration when private space to discuss a confidential situation is essential.

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.

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