Commonwealth Games cost documentation: FOI release

Information requested

All documentation held by the Scottish Government about the cost of holding the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, from the last three months.

Response

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

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 exemptions under sections 29(1)(a) (Policy formulation), 30(b)(ii) (Free and frank exchange of views), 33(1)(b) (Commercial sensitivities) and 38(1) (b) (Personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why those exemptions apply are explained below.

Exemptions under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Information is exempt under section 29(1)(a) if it relates to the formulation or development of government policy. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. 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 in the interests of open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining a safe space for officials to have honest discussions about new policy and different policy options, and to assess potential impacts before submitting advice to Ministers for decision. 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.

Exemptions under section 30(b)(ii) (Free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Information is exempt under section 30(b)(ii) if disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. 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 as part of open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can provide full and frank advice and views to allow decisions to be fully considered. 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.

Exemptions under section 33(1)(b) (Commercial sensitivities) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Information is exempt under section 33(1)(b) if its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person. "Person" includes a public authority, company and partnership, in this case the Scottish Government. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open and transparent government, and to help account for the expenditure of public money. However, there is a greater public interest in protecting the commercial and financial interests of the Scottish Government, to ensure that we are always able to obtain the best value for public money. 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.

Exemptions under section 38(1)(b) (Personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Information is exempt under section38(1)(b) if it is personal data of a third party, i.e. the names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 1998. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test'.

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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 202500453159 - Information released - Documents

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PDF

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321.8 kB