Roadmap papers submitted to the Social Security Programme Board: FOI release

FOI reference: FOI/18/03112
Date received: 25 October 2018
Date responded: 22 November 2018

 

 

You asked for the "Roadmap" papers submitted to the Social Security Programme Board, where the paper is less than 12 months old (i.e. all papers since the "Roadmap" paper was submitted to Meeting 6, and all subsequent "Roadmap" papers).

 

 

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 under 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained below.

 

 

An exemption applies, subject to the public interest test.

An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss and explore options before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view. Disclosing the content of free and frank discussions at the Social Security Programme Board will substantially inhibit such discussions in the future, particularly because these discussions are still ongoing and policy is still being formulated. 
 
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 allowing Ministers and officials a private space within which to explore and refine the Government’s position on Social Security until the Government as a whole can adopt a position that is sound and likely to be effective. This private thinking space is essential to enable all options to be properly considered, so that good decisions can be taken. Premature disclosure is likely to undermine the full and frank discussion of issues between officials, which in turn will undermine the quality of the decision making process, which would not be in the public interest.