Correspondence between Scottish Government and Scotland’s local authorities, COSLA and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers regarding proposals to reform local government: FOI release

Information requested

Copies of correspondence received by the Scottish Government from Scotland’s local authorities, COSLA and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) between 1 September and 25 September 2026 concerning the Scottish Government’s proposals to reform local government, including proposals for regional and community authorities, including letters, emails, attachments and any formal written responses.

Response

I enclose a copy of most 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 exemptions under section 38(1)(b) (personal information) and section 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why those exemptions applie are explained below. Some of information has also been withheld as it is out of scope of the request.

Section 38(1)(b) (personal information)

This exemption applies to 29 documents included in this response. The exemption is applied to the personal information (names and email addresses) of Scottish Government officials below the senior civil service level and COSLA and local authority officials. 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.

Section 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views)

This exemption applies to 9 documents, including 6 to which the exemption under section 38(1)(b) (personal information) also applies. This exemption is applied to advice or an exchange of views, where disclosure would have an inhibiting effect on the provision of advice or on the exchange on views.

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 some public interest in release because of interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring that open and frank discussions are able to take place when discussion of issues is at a preliminary stage.

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 202600540612 - Information released - Annex

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