Correspondence regarding Regional Food Fund to Appetite for Angus: FOI release

Information requested

You asked for records specifically regarding the grant awarded through the Regional Food Fund to Appetite for Angus, to support the rebrand and relaunch of Producers of Angus Markets (PAM), including:

1. A copy of the original funding application submitted by Appetite for Angus, including any supporting documents such as constitutions, governance statements, and conflict of interest declarations.

2. Any correspondence, assessments, or meeting notes relating to the decision to award this funding.

3. Confirmation of whether the overlap of personnel between Appetite for Angus and Producers of Angus Markets was declared or considered as part of the application process.

4. The terms and conditions of the funding award.

5. Confirmation of whether the funding rules permit one organisation to apply on behalf of another that is not formally registered.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

However, 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.17(1) (does not hold that information) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained in the Annex to this letter.

You will find a response below to point 1 of your request; A copy of the original funding application submitted by Appetite for Angus, including any supporting documents such as constitutions, governance statements, and conflict of interest declarations.

The information you have requested has been attached as a separate document including supporting documents contained within the application.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) – the personal data of a third party of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested therefore appropriate redaction of personal information has been applied.

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.

You will find a response below to point 2 of your request; Any correspondence, assessments, or meeting notes relating to the decision to award this funding.

You have asked for ‘any correspondence, assessments or meeting notes relating to the decision to award this funding’. However, the Scottish Government does not hold the information in the format you have requested.

As such, I hereby provide you with formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

You will find a response below to point 3 of your request; Confirmation of whether the overlap of personnel between Appetite for Angus and Producers of Angus Markets was declared or considered as part of the application process.

Information relating to the personnel from Appetite for Angus or Producers of Angus Markets was not disclosed during the application process therefore an overlap of personnel was not known or considered.

You will find a response below to point 4 of your request and a copy of the contract will be attached separately; The terms and conditions of the funding award.

Scotland Food & Drink deliver the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. As such, the terms and conditions on which award and administration of the Grant is made to successful applicants is set out and controlled by Scotland Food & Drink.

The information you have requested has been attached as a separate document.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) – the personal data of a third party of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested therefore appropriate redaction of personal information has been applied.

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.

You will find a response below to point 5 of your request; Confirmation of whether the funding rules permit one organisation to apply on behalf of another that is not formally registered.

As part of the application process, it is a requirement that a list of partners/stakeholders who will be collaborating on the project is provided for example, a regional food group, local authority, tourism organisation or group of producers, if known.

Where a constituted group has applied then we expect the appropriate governance to be in place to ensure delivery of agreed objectives.

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 202500481467 - Information Released - Annex

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