FOI/202400437080 · FOI · partially withheld
Correspondence relating to free school meals discussions: FOI release
Information requested
Briefings written, analysis written for or by the Scottish Government, all correspondence received and sent by the government, including internally, minutes/notes from meetings, regarding universal free meals for all primary school children, between September 1 2024 and September 30 2024.
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 exemptions under sections 29(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy), 30(b)(i) of (the free and frank provision of advice), 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views), 36(1) (claim to confidentially of communications), and 38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information.
Exemptions under sections 29(1)(a), 30(b)(i), 30(b)(ii) and 36(1) 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 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 due to the general public interest in free school meals policy. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in allowing a private space for officials and ministers to exchange views, provide advice, and develop policy.
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 exemptions under sections 29(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy), 30(b)(i) of (the free and frank provision of advice), 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views), 36(1) (claim to confidentially of communications), and 38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. Exemptions under sections 29(1)(a), 30(b)(i), 30(b)(ii) and 36(1) 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 exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption.