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ESA spend and breach of cap on welfare spending
Submitted an FOI request back in June in response to this BBC news story -
“The government could breach its self-imposed cap on welfare spending as a result of the cost of the main sickness benefit, leaked internal documents say.
Internal government memos seen by the BBC suggest Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) costs are rising and few cost-cutting options are available.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27927843
Reply just received .. enjoy .....
“I confirm that the information you seek is held by the Department. However it engages an exemption from disclosure because it relates to the formulation or development of government policy – section 35(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act. This exemption protects the private space within which Ministers and their policy advisers can develop policies without the risk of premature disclosure.
As required by the Act, I have also assessed the public interest for against disclosure. There is a public interest in greater transparency which makes government more accountable to the electorate and increases trust. There is also a public interest in being able to assess the quality of advice being given to ministers and subsequent decision making.However, good government depends on good decision-making and this needs to be based on the best advice available and a full consideration of all the options without fear of premature disclosure. If this public interest cannot be protected there is a risk that decision-making will become poorer and will be recorded inadequately.
On balance, DWP is satisfied that in this instance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Therefore, the information you seek will not be released.”
Will you appeal it?
Priceless.
Sir Humphrey is alive & well.
Good government depends on good decision making?
In the words of our friend Mr Littlejohn : “You couldnt make it up!”
looks like info about risks to welfare cap from esa spending might have come from office for budget responsibility.
here’s a link to rightsnet news story about today’s report from them -
and report itself -
http://budgetresponsibility.org.uk/welfare-trends-report-october-2014/