Freedom of Information requests regarding Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care's trip to Hampden Park: FOI release

Information requested

All internal correspondence surrounding the release of FOI requests regarding notes written for Neil Gray's trip to watch Aberdeen play Rangers in the League Cup final on December 17.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

Exemptions under sections 38(1)(b) (personal information) and 30(b)(ii) free and frank provision of views of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to people below the grade of a senior civil servant.

Exemptions under section 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) has been applied to some of this information. These exemptions are subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered whether 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 exemptions. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, but it could adversely impact officials’ ability to  freely discuss the detail of cases and proposed approaches to responding.

This private thinking space also allows for all options to be properly considered, so that good policy decisions can be taken. On this occasion, the advice and exchange of views is on how to deal with the wording of a  response.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500449854 - Information released - Annex

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