For Women Scotland versus Scottish Government legal case information: FOI release

Information requested

• How much has the Scottish Government spent defending the For Women Scotland v Scottish Government legal case, which concluded on April 16. If possible, please may I have a break down of costs: For example, £x on hotel accommodation, £y on legal fees, £z on travel?
• How many Scottish Government staff have been involved in defending the case, and how many hours are they have estimated to have worked on the case? If possible, please can you disclose their positions – however I appreciate this part of the request may not be fulfilled.

Response

I have provided some of the information you requested below.

The Scottish Government has not created a compilation of other (non-legal) costs associated with work related to the Supreme Court such as; staff costs, other policy development costs, public communication or campaign costs, travel costs, hotel accommodation costs, etc. As such, I hereby provide you with formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

The table below sets out the legal cost figures for case 'For Women Scotland - petition for judicial review'. This case was heard by both the Outer House Court of Session and Inner House Court of Session.

For Women Scotland - Petition for Judicial Review
Counsel Fees	£61,930.50
Court Fees	£4,898.00
Other	£149,354.00
Total	£216,182.50

The table below sets out the legal cost figures for case 'For Women Scotland - Petition for Judicial Review: Petition 2'. This case was heard by both the Outer House Court of Session, Inner House Court of Session and the Supreme Court.

For Women Scotland - Petition for Judicial Review: Petition 2
Counsel Fees	£148,925.00
Court Fees	£7,552.00
Other	£1,339.30
Total	£157,816.30

Final costs in relation to the case are still being determined and are not yet available. We will publish the total cost of the case when it is fully complete.

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