Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, it sets out exemptions to that right and places a number of related obligations on public authorities, particularly in relation to Records Management and Publication Schemes.
Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information, subject to certain exemptions, must be informed whether or not the public authority holds that information and, subject to various statutory exemptions, be supplied with that information.
Public authorities are required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out the classes of information available and the manner in which they intend to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a Publication Scheme is to ensure information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness.
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 is enforced by the Scottish Information Commissioner.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 in England and Wales is a separate piece of legislation enforced by the Office of the Information Commissioner. He also has responsibility for the Data Protection Act 1998 on a nationwide basis.
Publication Scheme
Our publication scheme is designed to help you access the information you want quickly and easily:
