Social Security Programme Board, Success in 12 Months papers Meetings 1-5

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


FOI reference: FOI/18/03115  
Date received: 25 October 2018
Date responded: 22 November 2018
 
Information requested
 
You asked for the "success in 12 months" papers submitted to the Social Security Programme Board, where the paper is 12 months old or older (i.e. the "success in 12 months" paper submitted to Meeting 5, and all previous "success in 12 months" papers).
 
Response
 
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(s) under section under 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained below.
 
Reasons for not providing information
 
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.
 
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-18-03115 Information requested

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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