Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government briefing for the Finance and Public Administration Committee: FOI release

Information requested

You asked that all briefing documents prepared for Shona Robison in advance of her appearance before the Finance and Public Administration Committee on 2nd September 2025, be provided.

Response

Some of the information you have requested is available on the websites specified in the attached document at the appropriate points (from the Scottish Government, IFS and other organisations’ websites, the links for which are provided). Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the websites listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

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 we consider an exemption applies under section (30)(b)(i) substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views. Our reasons why we are applying this exemption are explained below.

Section 30(b)(ii) – Free and Frank Exchange of Views

An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss and explore options. Disclosing the content of free and frank discussions on the matters of interest to the Finance and Public Administration Committee will substantially inhibit such briefing in the future, particularly because they relate to issues which affect policy development and relations.

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 a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can provide free and frank advice and views to Ministers in briefing to assist with a Parliamentary Committee appearance.

It is in the public interest that Ministers can properly answer Parliamentary questions and robustly defend the Government’s policies and decisions. They need full and candid advice from officials to enable them to do so. Premature disclosure of this type of information could lead to a reduction in the comprehensiveness and frankness of such advice and views in the future, which would not be in the public interest.

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 202500483199 - Information Released - Attachment

File type

PDF

File size

279.7 kB