Scottish Violence Reduction Unit correspondence: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Information requested
Copies of the minutes, agendas and any accompanying papers for meetings of the following governance bodies:
- Scottish Violence Reduction Unit Governance Board
- Scottish Violence Reduction Unit Strategic Board
For the two-year period prior to the date of this request.
Response
I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested. Document A contains a complete table of all the documents covered within the FOI request.
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 exemptions under sections:
- 30(b)(ii) – free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views
- 35(1)(c) - Substantial prejudice to administration of justice.
- 38(1)(b) - Third party personal data of FOISA applies to that information
The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained below.
30(2)(c) – free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views
Information is exempt under sections 30(b) if disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially: (i) the free and frank provision of advice or (ii) the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. In these circumstances, Section 30(b)(ii) applies because the information held covers discussion with other organisations where implementation of significant policy matters is being debated and disclosure would cause substantial harm to our ability to have free and frank exchanges with key partners for the purposes of deliberation.
35(1)(c) - Substantial prejudice to administration of justice
Information is exempt under Section 35(1)(c) if disclosure would likely prejudice substantially the administration of justice. In these circumstances, Section 35(1)(c) applies as it relates to sensitive intelligence gathered by Police Scotland and disclosure would impact their ability to maintain public order.
38(1)(b) - Third party personal data
The information contains the personal data of a third party. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.
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