Correspondence regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Finance containing the words “£8.2 billion”: FOI release

Information requested

Copies of any correspondence sent to or by Kate Forbes MSP and/or her special advisors that contain the form of words “£8.2 billion” between 5 November and 11 November.

Response

I attach a copy of most of the information you requested in Annex A.

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 30(b(i)) (free and frank provision of advice) of FOISA applies to that information.

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 some public interest in release to support public scrutiny of government decision making. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining officials' ability to provide free and frank advice to ministers.

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 - 202000110156 - Information Released - Annex A

File type

1 page PDF

File size

5.3 kB