Minister for Victims and Community Safety's statement regarding potential role expansion for firefighters: FOI release

Information requested

With reference to parliamentary answer to question S6W-42154 in which Scottish Government Minister Siobhian Brown MSP said:

"The Scottish Government has carried out analysis of the potential costs and economic benefits of a potential role expansion for firefighters. Analysis of the potentially expanded role for firefighters could deliver net economic benefits but these would be unlikely to deliver cashable savings in the delivery of public services."

I request a copy of:

1) "The analysis of the potential costs and economic benefits of a potential role expansion for firefighters" mentioned in answer S6W-42154

2) Any briefing on this provided to Scottish Government Ministers, Civil Servants or the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Leadership Team.

3) Agendas, minutes, notes, emails, correspondence, letters, texts, messages on phone apps, (including encrypted apps), notes of phone calls etc. relating to the cost/benefit analysis mentioned.

Response

I enclose a copy of four documents related to your request with redactions.

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) 29(1)a formulation/development of government policy, 30(b)i substantial inhibition to free & frank provision of advice, 30(b)ii Substantial inhibition to free & frank exchange of views and 38(b) personal information relating to a third party of FOISA applies to that information. Some of the information we are able to release with redactions but four documents we are withholding in their entirety due to the above exemptions.

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. However, there is a greater public interest in protecting the space for the effective sponsorship of a major public body, such as the SFRS, as well as the development of government policies and, ultimately, theeffective conduct of public affairs.

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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 202500497433 - Information released - Annex

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