Scottish Empty Homes Partnership: FOI release

Information requested

Please provide the existing and projected amounts of investment by the Scottish Government in the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.

Response

I can confirm that the Scottish Government’s investment in the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership is £2,347,935 (to 30 September 2021) and the projected investment is a further £150,485 (to 31 March 2022).

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) (policy formulation) of FOISA applies. The proposed actions in Housing to 2040 set out our desire to see the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership continue and for this successful approach to be rolled out across all areas of Scotland.

However, given the mature nature of the Partnership it is important that we take stock and ensure it aligns with our strategic priorities going forward. We are in the process of developing proposals for future funding with the Partnership and would be happy to provide an update on the projected investment figure once this work has concluded. I anticipate this will be before the end of the year.

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 because the request relates to the use of public funds.

However, this is outweighed by the public interest in delaying the release of some of the information because it relates to the development of Government policy, including decisions about the direction and funding of the Partnership which have yet to be agreed.

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.