Minister of State for Social Security and Disability meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice: FOI release

Information requested

The following documents relating to a meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Sir Stephen Timms that took place on 30 April:

• A copy of any briefing prepared for the Cabinet Secretary ahead of the meeting
• A copy of the agenda for that meeting
• A copy of the minutes of the meeting

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in PDF format.

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 s.38(1)(b) - (personal information), s.30(b)i - Substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice and s.30(b)(ii) - Substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained below.

Exemptions under s.38(1)(b) - (personal information) are 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.

Exceptions under s.30(b)i - Substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice and s.30(b)(ii) - Substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views are 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 some public interest in release because of the interest in transparent Government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring the confidential exchange of views and opinions between the Scottish and UK Governments.

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 202500464845 - Information Released - Annex

File type

PDF

File size

153.9 kB