A Fairer Scotland for Older People report information: FOI release

Information requested

Any detailed information on how the SG has been dealing with matters on an annual basis since the release of the report in 2019. There was a summary of actions (P62-65), which might provide a means of identifying which items have progressed irrespective of the refresh process. For example, has the Older People's Strategic Action Forum (OPSAF) been meeting and if so are minutes/reports available for access? Are there details of any relevant reports to the Parliament, Ministers and Committees in respect of the 2019 report?

Response

I have attached a copy of some of the information you requested in Disclosures 1-8.

We have interpreted your request in line with your ask as stated above, all information we hold about the progress of "A Fairer Scotland for Older People: framework" since 2019. The attached document contains the information we determine is within scope of your request.

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 an exemption(s) under section(s) s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) and s.38(1)(personal Information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why those exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter. In addition, I have redacted information in documents that is out with the scope of your request.

Annex A Reasons for not providing information

Section 29(1)a Formulation or development of government Scottish Administration policy

An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the development of the Scottish Government’s policy.

This exemption 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 exemption. 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, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications. Their candour in doing so will be affected by their assessment of whether the discussions on A Fairer Scotland for Older People: framework will be disclosed in the near future, when it may undermine or constrain the Government’s view on that policy while it is still under discussion and development.

Section 38(1)(b) -Personal information

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it contains personal data of a third party, ie names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. However, where names are publicly available this exemption has not been applied.

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 202500462766 - Information released - Disclosures 1 - 8

File type

PDF

File size

1.4 MB