Documents created by DG Scottish Exchequer that include phrase "Full Fiscal Autonomy": FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Information requested
For the period 1st January 2015 - date, please provide all documents created by the Exchequer Strategy Directorate which include the phrase “full fiscal autonomy”.
Response
The Exchequer Strategy Directorate was formed on 2nd April 2024. Therefore, no documents were created by this directorate prior to 2nd April 2024. I enclose a copy of an some of the information you requested for the period from 2nd April 2024 to the date we received your request.
An exemption under section 30(b)(i) (free and frank provision of advice) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The reasons why this exemption applies are explained below.
Exemptions under section 30 b (i) of FOISA (free and frank provision of advice) apply to some of the information requested. These exemptions apply because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange provision of advice for the purposes of deliberation.
The exemption recognises the need for officials to provide free and frank advice as they conduct their duties. Disclosing the content of free and frank information will substantially inhibit such information in the future. This exemption is subject to the public interest and prejudice test. 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 exemptions. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can provide free and frank advice. Disclosure of this type of information could lead to a reduction in the comprehensiveness and frankness of such advice in the future, which would not be in the public interest as it would substantially prejudice the ability of Ministers and Scottish Government officials to engage with each other.
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Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG