FOI/202600511492 · FOI · partially withheld
NHS directors of finance group meetings and agenda: FOI release
Information requested
"Please provide the agenda, papers (including appendices) and minutes of the most recent meeting of the NHS Scotland directors of finance group."
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 an exemption under section 30(b)(ii) - 'the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation' of FOISA applies to that information. The reason why that exemption applies are explained below.
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 disclosure would contribute to transparency around Board decision making. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in not disclosing the information as there is greater interest in maintaining a private space where individuals can express views candidly, for the ongoing formulation and development of policy and funding arrangements. For these reasons, the information has been withheld.
An exemption under section s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some the information you have requested. Only names of senior staff have been released.
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.
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 an exemption under section 30(b)(ii) - 'the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation' of FOISA applies to that information. The reason why that exemption applies are explained below. 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.