Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) gives rights to the public to get access (for example, get copies of) to information. It does not apply to information that people should ask for under the DPA or the EI(S)Rs.

This section deals with how to handle requests for information only. FOISA also covers records management and our Publication Scheme.

Council policies

There are three core policies about handling requests for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA).  These policies are

• Freedom of information policy
• Information requests compliance policy
• Charging policy

Procedures and guidance

To help officers deal with requests for information, we have prepared procedure notes and other guidance. The procedure notes deal with procedural matters, such as how to use the styles of refusal letters. The guidance explains what the law requires and/or means. They have a section on frequently asked questions for assistance. If responding to a request, you can use the Information requests date calculator to help work out your deadlines.

Sample style Letters

We have prepared sample style letters for use by officers. These style letters deal with acknowledging requests for information and the responses, including letters of refusal. Officers should use these styles as a basis at all times, but officers can amend the styles depending on the nature of the response. Here you can view a procedure note detailing how to use the style refusal letters.