Documentation regarding Affordable Housing Supply Programme target: FOI release

Information requested

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about the Scottish Government's target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, from the last month?

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested. Standard briefing lines on the Scottish Government's target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 are based on the latest quarterly housing statistics release, this can be found here: Housing statistics - gov.scot. These statistics are used to inform progress against Scottish Government affordable housing delivery target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% will be in rural and island communities. By June 2025, 29,680 affordable homes have been completed towards the target. These completions consist of 22,910 (77%) homes for social rent, 4,213 (14%) for affordable rent, and 2,557 (9%) for affordable home ownership.

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 under sections Section 27 (1) (information intended for future publication), Section 29(1)(a) – formulation or development of government policy, Section 30(b)(i) free and frank provision of advice, Section 30(b)(ii) free and frank exchange of views and Section 38(1)(b) personal data relating to third party of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemption apply is explained below. Some information also falls out of scope of the request.

An exemption under section Section 27 (1) (information intended for future publication) of FOISA applies to the information on the Scottish Government's target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. The next publication of the quarterly housing statistics is expected on 16 December.

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 because of the interest in this policy area. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in that it is intended for future publication.

In respect of the attached redacted email chain, an exemption under Section 29(1)(a) (formulation or development of SG policy) applies. This exemption is also 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 because of the interest in this policy area. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in that it is intended for on-going policy work.

An exemption also applies under Section 30(b)(i), (free and frank provision of advice) and Section 30(b) (ii) free and frank exchange of views. Again, 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 in the case of both exemptions that there is some public interest in release because of the interest in open and transparent Government. However, in the case of section 30(b) this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring officials are able to securely consider views before reaching a settled public view. In the case of section 38(1)(b) this is outweighed by the public interest in disclosing personal information of individuals below SCS level when it is unlikely to enhance public scrutiny of decision making.

An exemption under Section 38(1)(b) Personal data relating to third party also applies to the attached email. However, this is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing this 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 202500494278 - Information Released - Annex

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