Transport Scotland staff Christmas party funding: FOI release

Information requested

I have familiarised myself with the Scottish Government's FOI/202000110616 regarding staff Christmas parties, and I am aware that it is not Scottish Government policy to pay social events from public funds.

However, as an executive agency, could you tell me, is your Christmas party funded by staff, or the organisation? Has this changed in the past 2 years? Has this been at the request of Scottish Government?

I am not requesting a cost breakdown as part of my request, just the status of its funding.

Response

Transport Scotland, as an executive agency of the Scottish Government, does not utilise public funds for social events, including Christmas parties. Attendance at such events is undertaken on a voluntary basis, with all associated costs met by staff personally. This position has remained unchanged over the past two years and has not been at the request of the Scottish Government.

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.