202200308856 · FOI · partially withheld
10-year economic strategy communications: FOI release
Information requested
All communications (emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, online meetings, in-person meetings) which took place in January, February or March 2022 between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, the Minister for Public Finance, Planning, and Community Wealth, First Minister, Officials working to aforementioned Ministers, and special advisors where press & media credentials and attendance at the launch of the 10 year economic strategy (NSET) on March 1st 2022 was discussed.
Response
A copy of most of the information you requested is provided as an attachment.
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 sections 38(1 (b) and 30(b)(ii) of FOISA apply to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below.
An exemption applies An exemption under section s.38(1) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This is because some of the information in the emails provided relates to 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.
An exemption under section s.30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This is because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views to be exchanged in the future.
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 within which officials can exchange views freely.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Detected exemption language
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 sections 38(1 (b) and 30(b)(ii) of FOISA apply to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below. An exemption applies An exemption under section s.38(1) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. 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. An exemption under section s.30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested.