FOI/202600513064 · FOI · partially withheld
Directorate for Jobs and Wellbeing Economy spend 2023-26: FOI release
Information requested
Can I please request all documentation for the last 3 financial years, up to 25-26, regarding setting budgets, monitoring budgets and forecasting, for the last 3 years, specifically for the Directorate for Jobs and Wellbeing Economy. I’d like the financial result for each year, i.e. over/underspend.
I’d like a workbook showing all budget transfers within those 3 years for the directorate, with explanations for each.
I’d like to know what percentage of the directorates budget is spent on staff costs.
Response
We have interpreted your response as relating to Financial Years 2023-24 to 2025-26. As the Annual Accounts process for 2025-26 has just commenced, outturn data is not yet available as it is still subject to audit, however, should this data still be required, I would be happy to provide it when the exercise is concluded later in the year.
As the Directorate for Jobs and Wellbeing Economy was formed in Financial Year 2024-25, the data provided for 2023-24 is based on the budget lines that now fund the Directorate for Jobs and Wellbeing Economy.
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in the format you asked for.
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 the following sections applies to the information requested:
Section 30(b) (free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views) – This exemption applies because disclosure would, or be likely to, substantially inhibit the free and frank exchange of advice for deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Scottish Ministersto have private and confidential space to discuss matters relating to the development of Scottish Government policies and associated budgets.
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 in support of open, transparent and accountable government, however, we believe there is a greater public interest in allowing Ministers private and confidential space to communicate with each other as part of Scottish Government policy development.
About FOI
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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 the following sections applies to the information requested: Section 30(b) (free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views) – This exemption applies because disclosure would, or be likely to, substantially inhibit the free and frank exchange of advice for deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Scottish Ministersto have private and confidential space to discuss matters relating to the development of Scottish Government policies and associated budgets. 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.