Scottish Government

Information on the Act

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force on 1 January 2005.

The Act introduced a general statutory right of access to all types of 'recorded' information of any age held by Scottish public authorities. Subject to certain conditions and exemptions, any person who makes a request for information will be entitled to receive it.

The Act is enforced by the Scottish Information Commissioner, a fully independent public official.

Related Scottish Statutory Instruments

Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

The Scottish Government is consulting on changes to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

The consultation paper can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations. The consultation runs from 16 December 2011 to 8 March 2012.

Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Similar provisions are applicable to environmental information. Via this link you can find details on access to Environmental Information

Section 60 & Section 61 Codes of Practice

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 required Scottish Ministers to issue two Codes of Practice, under sections 60 and 61 of the Act.

Section 4 and 64 Orders

In October 2008, two amending orders were made to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act.

The list of public bodies which are covered by the Act was amended by an order under section 4 of FOISA, which removed those public bodies which had been dissolved, and added some new public bodies created since FOISA came into force. www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2008/pdf/ssi_20080297_en.pdf

Under section 64 of FOISA, a further order amended some legislation pre-dating FOISA which contained prohibitions on the disclosure of certain information. Five pieces of legislation were amended by the order, which had been identified as creating barriers to the release of information. www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2008/pdf/ssi_20080339_en.pdf

Fees

The Fees Regulations (under Sections 9 and 13 of the Act)

Guidance Note on Handling Requests for Information Relating to National Security (including guidance on section 31 certificates)

Guidance Note on Handling Requests for Information Relating to National Security

UK FOI Act

Please note: For information on the UK Freedom of Information Act, please see the Directgov website:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Yourrightsandresponsibilities/Freedomofinformationanddataprotection/DG_4003239"