Correspondence with the independent advisers on the ministerial code: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Information requested
1) Correspondence with the independent advisers on the ministerial code since September 1.
2) Information on whether the letter from the Scottish Conservatives addressed to the independent advisers on the topic of manifesto claims around income tax and responded to the First Minister was in fact passed to the independent advisers, what their response was, and details of how the information was shared and any written response or minute or note of discussion with them on the topic.
Response
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested. 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 the following exemptions under sections:
- 38(1)(b) (personal data of a third party)
- 30(c) (the effective conduct of public affairs)
- 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views)
of FOISA apply to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.
Please note that the Independent Advisers’ response in relation to the income tax issue you refer to in the second part of your request falls outwith the timeframe of this FOI request. However, I have included this alongside the First Minister’s recent letter on the subject for your information.
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.
Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG