Terms of References submitted to Social Security Programme Board: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
FOI reference: FOI/18/02105
Date received: 3 August 2018
Date responded: 3 September 2018
Information requested
The various Terms of References for Boards submitted to the Social Security Programme Board since September 2017.
Response
We do endeavour to provide information whenever possible. However, in this instance an exemption under sections s.30(b)(i) and s.30(b)(ii) of FOISA applies to some of the information requested. However, I have provided a template of the Programme Board Terms of Reference, which I hope will be of help.
Section 30(b)(i) applies where disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice. Section 30(b)(ii) applies where disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. The Terms of Reference provide the basis of free and frank advice for critical discussion to aid decision making.
As the exemption is conditional we have applied the ‘public interest test’. This means we have, in all the circumstances of this case, 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. While we recognise that there is some public interest in release as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate, this is outweighed by the vital public interest in ensuring that the Terms of Reference lead to high quality, fully considered decision making. Officials need to have a private space within which to consider the evidence, debate their findings, and explore all available options before reaching settled policy decisions.
Premature disclosure is likely to undermine the full and frank discussion of issues between Ministers and officials, which in turn will undermine the quality of the policy-making process or constrain the Government’s view on policy while it is under discussion and development.
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