Correspondence relating to transition support for non-medical practitioners affected by SP Bill 77: FOI release

Information requested

Please provide all internal documents, planning papers, and correspondence relating to transition support for non-medical practitioners affected by SP Bill 77, including any planning for a transition fund, retraining support, business support scheme, or financial assistance package.

Response

I have enclosed electronic copy of 23 documents that contain the information you have requested in the format you asked for.

The following exemptions have been applied:

• Exemption under Section 38(1) b which exempts from disclosure of 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.
• Exemptions under Section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA have been applied to Document 1 (paragraph 11 and 13), and to one section of Document 23. These exemptions apply because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. 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 that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can provide free and frank advice and discuss and explore options before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view.
• An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA applies to Document 21. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. 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, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space to discuss and exchange views internally.
  Disclosing the content of free and frank discussions will substantially inhibit such free and frank discussions in the future.

Additionally, whilst our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance some information has been provided in the form of an extract because the remainder of the information in those documents does not fall within the scope of the request.

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.

FOI 202600510980 - Information Released - Annex

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