Registered Fostering Agency (RFA) queries: FOI release

Information requested

• How long have any Scottish Government Minister been aware that there are RFA's that are subsidiaries of a parent organisation, and while complying with the terms of their registration to operate on a NFP basis? In doing so they transfer moneys to their parent organisation in the form of loans. Loans that over time have escalated into millions of pounds.
• How long have any Scottish Government official been aware of the scenario out lined above?
• What action is planned to eliminate this practice?
• What steps are being taken to recover the public funds extracted by creative accounting?

Response

In response to your first two questions, Scottish Government officials first became aware of the scenario outlined above when Common Weal submitted a response to the Future of Foster Care Consultation on 25 February 2025. This information was later published by Common Weal as part of their Policy report, titled “The Crisis in Foster Care in Scotland” was published on 29 March 2025. Scottish Government Ministers first became aware of this scenario on 28 March 2025.

In response to your latter two questions, while our aim is to provide answers whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested because exemptions under sections 27(1) (information held with a view to publication), 29(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy) and 29(1)(b) (Ministerial communications) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

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 202500465708 - Information released - Annex A

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