FOI/202400403333 · FOI · partially withheld
Correspondence relating to the Big Noise programme: FOI release
Information requested
External correspondence relating to the Scottish Government’s discussion of Big Noise / Sistema Scotland projects that relates to the setting of local authority budgets for 2024/25. Internal correspondence relating to the Scottish Government’s discussion of Big Noise / Sistema Scotland projects that relates to the setting of local authority budgets for 2024/25.
This would include correspondence relating to the budget process and the efficacy of the Big Noise programme between; Scottish Government Ministers and officials; Scottish Government Ministers or officials and Councillors and Council Officers; Scottish Government Ministers and officials and Sistema Scotland.
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 an exemptions under sections s.30(b)(i) (substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice), s.30(b)(ii) (substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views), s.33(1)(b) (substantial prejudice to commercial interest) and s.38(1)(b) (third party personal data) of FOISA applies to that information.
Exemptions under sections s.30(b)(i) and s.30(b)(ii) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. These exemptions are applied to free and frank exchange of views and advice between Ministers and officials. These exemptions are subject to the public interest test. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because in general it is in the public interest for the Scottish Government to be open and transparent. However this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining a confidential space for ministers and officials to openly and freely discuss policy options and personal views between themselves. 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.
Exemptions under section s.33(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. These exemptions are applied to information of commercial interest. These exemptions are subject to the public interest test. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because in general it is in the public interest for the Scottish Government to be open and transparent regarding stakeholder organisations. However this is outweighed by the nature of this being a live proposal for government funding and not suitable for sharing with the public. 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.
Exemptions under section s.38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. These exemptions are applied to third party personal information, such as names and email addresses of officials below director level and names of schools. 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.
I hope this information has been useful to you.
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 an exemptions under sections s.30(b)(i) (substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice), s.30(b)(ii) (substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views), s.33(1)(b) (substantial prejudice to commercial interest) and s.38(1)(b) (third party personal data) of FOISA applies to that information. Exemptions under sections s.30(b)(i) and s.30(b)(ii) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. These exemptions are applied to free and frank exchange of views and advice between Ministers and officials. These exemptions 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.