Social Security Scotland Risk Management Strategy discussed by Audit/Assurance Committee: FOI release

Information requested

 

You asked for a copy of the Risk Management Strategy discussed by both the Social Security Scotland Executive Advisory Body (11/12/18) and Audit and Assurance Committee (13/11/18).

 

Response

 

Enclosed is a copy of the Risk Management Strategy discussed at both meetings. However 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 29(1)(a) (Formulation or development of government policy) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained in the Annex to this letter.

 

Annex

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

Section 29(1)(a) – formulation or development of government policy

You will note within the reports provided there are sections that have been redacted. This is because an exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the development of the Scottish Government’s policy on on risk management in respect of the Social Security Directorate. 

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.  Their candour in doing so will be affected by their assessment of whether the discussions on risk management in this context will be disclosed in the near future, when it may undermine or constrain the Government’s view on that policy while it is still under discussion and development.

 

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foi-19-00368 Information released

File type

17 page PDF

File size

1.0 MB