Freedom of Information

The aim of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 is to increase openness and accountability in government and across the public sector by giving people the right to access information held by Scottish public authorities. From 1 January 2005, anyone, anywhere can make a request for information held by the Council and will be entitled to receive it, provided that no exemptions apply.

What is available?

The Council publishes lots of information routinely. In our publication scheme, we are committed to publish certain classes of information as a matter of course, without you having to make a specific request for it. Much of this is available on this website, for example minutes and papers for the Council’s committee meetings.

You can find details on information that the Council already publishes in the Publication Scheme.

For very good reasons, such as cost, we cannot publish everything. Some information is exempt by law from disclosures for good reasons. For more information go to our frequently asked questions page. If you want information, which you think we have in recorded form and have not published, you can make an information request. Make a request online.

The Council has monitored our performance in dealing with requests for information under the Act. See our 2005 Annual Report, 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Annual Report.

Scottish Information Commissioner

If you want more information on the Act, please contact:

Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Tel: 01334 464610
Fax: 01334 464611
E-mail: Scottish Information Commissioner