You asked
Please send a copy of the first version of the paper EAP148 (Methodology for decision making on the 2021 Census guidance for the sex question) that was made available to MARP ahead of the MARP meeting on 24th November, and referred to in an email sent on 19th November from Bernard Silverman to Owen Abbott as the version that requires "considerable restructuring and rethinking".
"The current version of the paper EAP128* requires considerable restructuring and rethinking; this is not just a matter of producing the existing material in a different form, but of going back to basics"
"it may be helpful for ONS to give a point-by-point response to the more minor points, but we would expect a completely rewritten paper in due course."
*reference here to EAP128 is most likely a typo in the email and should read EAP148
The email correspondence referring to the first version of EAP148 can be found in the FOI published on 17th March 2021 called Correspondence between ONS and the Methodological Assurance Review Panel regarding guidance proposed to accompany the sex question in the 2021 census
We said
Thank you for your request.
The information requested is considered exempt from disclosure as the paper in question relates to the formulation of government policy. Consequently, Section 35 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) applies, whereby information is exempt if it relates to the formulation or development of government policy.
In line with FOIA, we have considered whether the disclosure of this information would be in the public interest.
Whilst we recognise the desirability for information pertaining to government decisions to be transparent in order to further public understanding of government decisions, we also value the public interest in the Government's capability to have open and honest discussions with key organisations and stakeholders when considering census policy. Disclosure of the requested information could weaken the Government's ability to ascertain such honest and genuine opinions. This is particularly important for the census, as it is vital for enabling the government and local authorities to obtain a detailed picture of our society and subsequently plan for, and fund, local services. Therefore, ensuring the policy-formation process for the census takes into account a range of stakeholder views promotes the inclusivity of government decisions. Consequently, we find the public interest to be against disclosure in this instance.