Carbon Credit Pilot – blended finance mechanism considerations correspondence: FOI release

Information requested

1. Could I request all correspondence pertaining to the 14 blended finance mechanisms mentioned in PQ answer S6W-38836, covering the evidence gathering, selection, appraisal, referral, and recommendations?

2. As well as any internal communications relating to the blended finance mechanism considerations.

Response

Question 1

An exemption under section 27(1) of FOISA applies to the information requested as we intend to publish information regarding the Carbon Credits Pilot and associated blended finance mechanisms within the next 12 weeks. We consider that it is reasonable to withhold said information until publication via the Scottish Government website to ensure this provides an accurate update on the status of the Pilot and any related finance mechanisms at that time.

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 some public interest in release as the Carbon Credit Pilot will complement the existing Peatland Action fund in helping address both climate change and biodiversity loss and further information relating to the pilot will be provided via our planned publication. In the meantime, there is a greater public interest in taking the time necessary to ensure the information has been properly collated and checked before it is published as planned.

Question 2

I have included copies of the information you have requested in the attached Annex B.

On reviewing materials within the scope of your request, exemptions have been applied in line with FOISA. The exemptions applied can be found in Annex A.

ANNEX A

Exemptions under section 30(b)(i) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of advice) and section 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) apply to some of the information requested. These exemptions apply because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of advice and/or views for the purposes of deliberation. These exemptions recognise the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space to discuss matters pertaining to the development of Scottish Government policy.

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 a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing Ministers and officials a private space within which to communicate with each other. This private space is essential so that good policy decisions can be taken based on fully informed advice, views and evidence.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to a small amount of the information requested because it is the personal data of a third party, in this instance the names and contact details of Scottish Government officials, 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.

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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 202500476007 - Information released - ANNEX B

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