Data and briefing material regarding health checks for people with learning disabilities: FOI release

Information requested

1. A copy of the most recent data gathered from health boards regarding annual health checks for people with learning disabilities.

You asked for this in the same format as your previous request 202400442024. You asked for the full data and all ways it is categorised and analysed by the Scottish Government (check offered, checks received, people identified etc).

2. A copy of latest briefing material provided to the new Minister for Social Care Tom Arthur regarding health checks for people with learning disabilities and any material which was produced to bring the Minister up to speed on the issue.

Response

In relation to question 1 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 27(1) of FOISA applies to information gathered from the health boards which we intend to publish. The information you have requested will be published on the Scottish Government website and will be available from Scottish Annual Health Checks for People 16+ with Learning Disabilities - gov.scot when it is released for publication.

In relation your second question you asked for a copy/copy of any briefing provided to Tom Arthur MSP, Minster for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing.

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) 29(1)(a) (policy formulation) AND SECTION 30(1)(b) of FOISA applies to that information. I have attached a copy of this information in annex 1 to this letter.

These exemptions 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 exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions.

We recognise that there is some public interest in release because as it is reasonable to assume that the background information in the ministerial submission is well known amongst stakeholders and members of the public. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in upholding exemptions 29(1) and exemption 30(1)b in relation to specific information in the submission to the minister.

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 202500472732 - Information released - Annex 1

File type

PDF

File size

288.1 kB