Scottish Government parking space leases in Edinburgh City Centre: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many parking places do the Scottish Government rent out In Edinburgh city centre.
2. How much does each parking space cost
3. Who's using the Parking spaces.
4. Could you please list where each parking Space that is rent out where it is and you rent it from.

Response

The answer to some of the information you requested is provided in the table below:

The Scottish Government leases parking spaces in Edinburgh City Centre.

Number of spaces	Cost of each space, per annum
5	£1,950.00
3	£2,750.00

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some the information you have requested because an exemption under section 39(1) Health and Safety of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained below.

An exemption under section 39(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The disclosure of who is using the spaces and their locations would, or would be likely to, endanger the safety of an individual or group of people. Likewise disclosing information on who the spaces are leased from could allow identification of their locations, which would also, or be likely to endanger the safety of an individual or group of people.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. 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 the public may wish to know the locations of rented spaces within Edinburgh as it involves public funds. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring the safety of individuals or groups of people.

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.