Rural Energy Consumers Working Group: EIR release

Information requested

“For the following working groups:

• A. Rural Energy Consumers Working Group
• B. SEAB: The Scottish Energy Advisory Board
• C. Scottish Taskforce Green & Sustainable Financial Services
• D. Oil and Gas and Energy Transition SLG
   

1. What was the date of formation of these groups?
2. Who is a member of these groups?
3. What is the cost to the Scottish Government of operating these group from the date of formation to 4/10/23?
4. Are any members of these group renumerated, if so what for?

Response

As the information you have requested is ‘environmental information’ for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), we are required to deal with your request under those Regulations. We are applying the exception at section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA), so that we do not also have to deal with your request under FOISA.

This exception 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 exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception, because there is no public interest in dealing with the same request under two different regimes. This is essentially a technical point and has no material effect on the outcome of your request.

Section A: Rural Energy Consumers Working Group

Question 1

The group first met on 28 June 2023.

Question 2

The group consists of the Scottish Government Minister for Energy and the Environment and other third parties. I have provided further details below for your convenience:

• Scottish Government
• Consumer Scotland
• Advice Direct Scotland
• Sutherland Fuel Poverty Action Group
• Trading Standards Scotland
• Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust
• Scotland's Rural and Islands Housing Associations Forum
• Scottish Federation of Park Home Residents Association
• Smart Energy GB
• Energy Action Scotland
• Home Energy Scotland
• Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel
• Sustainability First
• Fuel Bank Foundation
• Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Energy UK, Citizen’s Advice Scotland
• The Wise Group
• UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association

Question 3

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested as the only costs associated with the Rural Energy Consumers Working Group has been staff time.

It may help if I explain that Civil Servants operate flexibly across a range of policies and programmes according to the specific requirements of their work at any given time. They do not, as a matter of course, record the proportion of their time spent working on particular matters. It is therefore not possible to provide an expenditure figure regarding how much the Scottish Government has spent on work by Civil Servants involved with the Rural Energy Consumers Working Group.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

Question 4

No remuneration is provided to the members of the Rural Energy Consumers Working Group as part of their role in the group.

It may help if I explain that the Scottish Government does not provide any remuneration to external members of the Rural Energy Consumers Working Group. Additionally, the Scottish Government does not remunerate staff members in any way for participation in the group over and above standard staff salaries.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

Section B: Scottish Energy Advisory Board (SEAB)

Question 1

The board was established in 2009.

Question 2

The board consists of the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, third parties and representatives from other Scottish Government working groups. I have provided further details below for your convenience:

• Scottish Government
• Energy Networks Strategic Leadership Group (Scottish Government)
• Oil and Gas and Energy Transition Strategic Leadership Group (Scottish Government)
• Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (Scottish Government)
• Renewable Energy Strategic Leadership Group (Scottish Government)
• EDF
• Energy Consumers Commission
• University of Strathclyde
• Scottish Renewables
• SSE
• SGN
• National Grid ESO
• Scottish Enterprise
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
• South of Scotland Enterprise
• Skills Development Scotland
• ORE Catapult
• Offshore Energies UK
• Net Zero Technology Centre
• Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
• Forth Ports
• Providence Policy
• Dunelm Energy
• Clyde Bowers
• Star Refrigeration
• NECCUS

Question 3

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested as the main costs associated with the Scottish Energy Advisory Board has been staff time.

It may help if I explain that Civil Servants operate flexibly across a range of policies and programmes according to the specific requirements of their work at any given time. They do not, as a matter of course, record the proportion of their time spent working on particular matters. It is therefore not possible to provide an expenditure figure regarding how much the Scottish Government has spent on work by Civil Servants involved with the Scottish Energy Advisory Board.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

Question 4

One member has received reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses on two occasions. Scottish Government staff members are not remunerated in any way for their participation in the Scottish Energy Advisory Board over and above their standard salary rate.

Section C: Scottish Taskforce for Green & Sustainable Financial Services

Question 1

The taskforce was formed on 2 February 2022.

Question 2

The taskforce consists of members from the Scottish Government, businesses and other third parties. I have provided further details below for your convenience:

• Scottish Government
• Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB)
• Abrdn
• Aegon Asset Management
• Baillie Gifford
• British Venture
• Cambridge University
• CFA Institute
• CFA UK
• Chartered Banker Institute
• City of London
• Edinburgh University
• FinTech Scotland
• Future Worth Living
• Green Investment Group
• Global Ethical Finance Initiative (GEFI)
• Leapfrog Investments
• LINC Scotland
• Lloyds Banking Group
• Martin Currie
• Natwest
• Phoenix Group
• Prudential
• PwC
• Royal London
• S&P
• Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE)

Question 3

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not some of the the information you have requested as the main costs associated with the Scottish Taskforce for Green & Sustainable Financial Services group has been staff time.

It may help if I explain that Civil Servants operate flexibly across a range of policies and programmes according to the specific requirements of their work at any given time. They do not, as a matter of course, record the proportion of their time spent working on particular matters. It is therefore not possible to provide an expenditure figure regarding how much the Scottish Government has spent on work by Civil Servants involved with the Rural Energy Consumers Working Group.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

Further costs have been identified and while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested because an exception under regulation 10(5)(f) (Prejudice to interests of person who provided the information) of the EIRs applies to that information.

This exception 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 exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception. We recognise that there is some public interest in releasing the information as part of an open, transparent and accountable government. However, disclosure of this particular information would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially the confidentiality of said information and the commercial interests of those providing the information to the Scottish Government in confidence.

Question 4

No remuneration is provided to the members of the Scottish Taskforce for Green & Sustainable Financial Services as part of their role in the group.

It may help if I explain that the Scottish Government does not provide any remuneration to external members of the Scottish Taskforce for Green & Sustainable Financial Services. Additionally, the Scottish Government does not remunerate staff members in any way for participation in the group over and above standard staff salaries.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

Section D: Oil and Gas and Energy Transition SLG

Question 1

The group was formed in September 2009.

Question 2

The group consists of members from industry, businesses and other third parties. I have provided further details below for your convenience:

• The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (UK Government)
• Equinor
• Highland and Island Enterprise
• Net Zero Technology Centre
• Wood PLC
• Scottish Enterprise
• Aberdeen University
• Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)
• Pipistrelle
• BP
• Skills Development Scotland
• Aberdeenshire Council
• Unite
• OPITO
• Petrofac
• ETZ Ltd
• Global Underwater Hub
• Robert Gordon’s University
• Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
• Aker Offshore Wind
• Shell
• Ineos
• RMT
• Marchfield Consulting
• North See Transition Authority (NSTA)
• Energysys
• NECCUS
• One Peterson
• GE Group
• EC-OG
• Opportunity North East (ONE)

Question 3

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not some of the the information you have requested as the main costs associated with the Oil and Gas and Energy Transition SLG has been staff time.

It may help if I explain that Civil Servants operate flexibly across a range of policies and programmes according to the specific requirements of their work at any given time. They do not, as a matter of course, record the proportion of their time spent working on particular matters. It is therefore not possible to provide an expenditure figure regarding how much the Scottish Government has spent on work by Civil Servants involved with the Rural Energy Consumers Working Group.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

Further costs have been identified and while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested because an exception under regulation 10(5)(f) (Prejudice to interests of person who provided the information) of the EIRs applies to that information.

This exception 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 exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception. We recognise that there is some public interest in releasing the information as part of an open, transparent and accountable government. However, disclosure of this particular information would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially the confidentiality of said information and the commercial interests of those providing the information to the Scottish Government in confidence.

Question 4

No remuneration is provided to the members of the Oil and Gas and Energy Transition SLG as part of their role in the group.

It may help if I explain that the Scottish Government does not provide any remuneration to external members of the Oil and Gas and Energy Transition SLG. Additionally, the Scottish Government does not remunerate staff members in any way for participation in the group over and above standard staff salaries.

Therefore, this is a formal notice under Regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs confirming that the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. It is important to note that although we do not hold the information and have applied Regulation 10(4)(a) – information not held, it is a requirement that we have to apply the public interest test.

Under regulation 5(1) of the EIRs, a Scottish public authority that holds environmental information must make it available when requested to do so. This duty is not absolute. In some cases, information is excepted from disclosure, under regulations 10 and 11 of the EIRs. However, all of the exceptions in regulation 10 (and parts of regulation 11) are subject to a public interest test. To clarify, even though we do not hold the information, because we are using EIRs Exception 10(4)(a) in response to your request, we are required to apply a public interest test.

Guidance can be found in the Key Concepts section under ‘Information Not Held’ and ‘The Public Interest Test’ in the attached Scottish Information Commissioner Briefings and Guidance document.

Further guidance on the public interest test can also be found on page 8 of the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance.

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.