Kate Higgins Contact: J McCall

FSDC Liaison Project

Tel No: 08451 555555

Ext 441150

Ref: FAPS/DS/FOI/jm

Date: 1 December 2009

Dear Ms Higgins

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

I refer to your email dated and received on 8 November 2009; our reference FOI/09/74.

The HM Treasury Report outlines the position of funding for this programme in England. The Report confirms that this initiative is underpinned by £340m of investment over the comprehensive spending review (CSR) period. The years covered by the CSR period are 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11.

Devolved governments and assemblies receive, through the operation of the Barnett formula, an allocation to be used for their own spending priorities. Under the devolution settlement, the Scottish Government has full autonomy to set its own spending priorities.

This issue has been raised in the Scottish Parliament by means of a question from the MSP Hugh O'Donnell. The answer provided by Adam Ingram (on 19 November 2009) confirms that resulting from the HM Treasury's announcement of £340m to support families with disabled children, consequentials were included within the overall Scottish Budget.

Local Government has received additional funding attributable to the 2007 spending review. However, new monies were allocated to Local Authorities in a single line of funding that also provided resources to fund budget pressures and to meet the costs of inflation.

In summary, the Scottish Government has received resources through the operation of the Barnet formula arising from the introduction of the “Aiming High” programme in England. However, there is no corresponding, identifiable funding line in Scotland. Hence, I cannot give a definitive answer as to what Fife Council will have received for this. As I am unable to identify a Fife Council share, I similarly cannot provide figures for how we intend to spend or have spent our allocation.

If you are not satisfied with the way we have handled your request, you have the right to request a review of the decision. Please write to: Chief Legal Officer, Legal Services, Performance & Organisational Support, Fife House, North Street, Glenrothes, KY7 5LT; within 3 calendar months of receipt of our decision. If this fails to resolve the matter to your complete satisfaction, you have the right to apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner for a decision.

Yours sincerely

Business Support Officer

Directorate Support

Finance & Procurement Service