Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

4,100releases indexed
6,376attachments found
25.6avg calendar days
1,683partially withheld
2025-05-08oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 1,683 unclear 998 not held 683 released 264 already published 195 cost limit 138 clarification 71 withheld 52 transferred 16

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 1230 s.34(1) 920 s.20 818 s.30 745 s.39(2) 676 s.17(1) 634 s.25(1) 505 s.10(4) 431 s.11(2) 362 s.29(1) 297 s.2 287 s.3 212

Timeline

2026-05 339 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 298 releases · 25.1 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 254 releases · 28.0 avg days Culture and External Affairs Directorate 173 releases · 27.7 avg days Marine Directorate 150 releases · 26.9 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 149 releases · 32.6 avg days People Directorate 144 releases · 23.2 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 132 releases · 26.4 avg days Safer Communities Directorate 120 releases · 22.6 avg days
Clear
104 matching releases

Correspondence regarding Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS) event: FOI release

In the week commencing Jan 5 2026, an event was held on the topic of Violence against Women and Girls, involving ministers, officials and third-sector organisations. The meeting is recounted in this blog here: https://www.sohtis.org/blog/o3z04yufd1e72q0ljk07y34qhbpnkq The meeting/event was attended by Siobhian Brown ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.38 s.17(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-24
Reference
FOI/202600500880
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

Dog control notices: EIR release

“Following the establishment of the national Dog Control Notice database in February 2022, pursuant to the Scottish Dog Control Database Order 2021 which came into force on December 31 2021, please provide the following information covering the 32 Scottish Local Authorities for calendar years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-23
Reference
FOI/202600502351
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Information held by the Justice Directorate relating to the progression of rape and attempted rape cases in Scotland: FOI release

I am seeking statistical or analytical information held by the Justice Directorate relating to the progression of rape and attempted rape cases in Scotland. Specifically, I request: Any data, analysis, or internal reports concerning the progression of rape and attempted rape reports through the criminal justice system...

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.18 s.25(1) s.17(1)O s.12 s.27 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-18
Reference
FOI/202600504144
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) National Strategic Group and Development Group meeting information: FOI Review

Original request 202500494239 All information contained in minutes of and papers presented to the meetings of the MAPPA National Strategic Group and MAPPA Development Group over the previous two years. I have taken that request to be two years from the date of your correspondence.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-09
Reference
FOI/202500499737 Review of 202500494239
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Aberdeen City Council (Drinking in Public Places) Byelaws 2009 correspondence: FOI release

Part 1 There was a statutory requirement (Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, s.202A)) for these byelaws to be reviewed not later than 10 years from them coming into force, i.e. by 1st October 2019. Please provide all correspondence relating to the review of the byelaws between the Scottish Government (SG) and each...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.20 s.5 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.2 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-03
Reference
FOI/202500499558
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Spend in relation to witness support: FOI release

How much has the Scottish Government spent on training and support for witnesses for public inquiries in each of the last five years, with a breakdown by each year, and what the money was spent on?

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17
Published
2026-02-24
Reference
FOI/202500496430
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Deputy Director of Justice emails regarding Emergency Early Release (EER) scheme: FOI release

You initially requested: “Please provide copies of all emails sent by the Deputy Director responsible for the Emergency Early Release scheme during the week of Sept 1 -7 where the subject line or body contains any of the following terms: “early release” “EER” “release scheme””

FOI clarification 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500495089
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care meeting with Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited: FOI release

You asked for all information held relating to Neil Gray MSP's meeting with Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited on 30 January 2025 (Scottish lobbying register). This should include: Meeting agenda, attendee list, briefing materials, minutes/notes (including handwritten notes) All correspondence (emails, instant messages incl...

FOI already published 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.33 s.28 s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500495085
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence sent to Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Minister for Victims and Community Safety regarding prisons: FOI release

Internal briefings, submissions, or update notes sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, or DG Justice between Sept 1 to Oct 1, 2025, which warn about: unsafe or deteriorating prison conditions prisons assessed as “end-of-life” major maintenance failures the impact of over...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-18
Reference
FOI/202500495798
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Material regarding unsafe or deteriorating prison conditions: FOI release

Internal briefings, submissions, or update notes sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, or DG Justice between Oct 1 to Nov 1, 2025, which warn about: unsafe or deteriorating prison conditions prisons assessed as “end-of-life” major maintenance failures the impact of overc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-18
Reference
FOI/202500495800
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Material concerning unsafe or deteriorating prison conditions: FOI release

Internal briefings, submissions, or update notes sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, or DG Justice between Nov 1 to present, 2025 which warn about: unsafe or deteriorating prison conditions prisons assessed as “end-of-life” major maintenance failures the impact of over...

FOI released 95 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-18
Reference
FOI/202500495799
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Justice Division risk registers: FOI release

I would like to request the following information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002: 1. The current Community Justice Division Risk Register. 2. The current Criminal Justice Division Risk Register. 3. The current CLLS (Community Learning & Legal Services) Division Risk Register. (This is now called ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.28 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.36(1) s.36(2) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-17
Reference
FOI/202500494457
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) National Strategic Group and Development Group meeting information: FOI release

All information contained in minutes of and papers presented to the meetings of the MAPPA National Strategic Group and MAPPA Development Group over the previous two years. I have taken that request to be two years from the date of your correspondence.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-16
Reference
FOI/202500494239
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Devolution of reserved tribunals: FOI release

Please could you confirm the following: a) What is the Scottish Government's policy on the devolution of the reserved tribunals, as permitted by section 39 of the Scotland Act 2016 (SA 2016)? NB: I have read that the Scottish Government does not intend to pursue devolution of the reserved tribunals during the current...

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.39
Published
2026-02-16
Reference
FOI/202500497272
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Legal costs incurred in defending Scottish Court case and judicial review: FOI release

Details of all cases brought by William Beggs against the Scottish Government along with the date to the nearest day, month or year possible the case was first brought and the nature of the case? So, for example, if the case relates to a judicial review over a decision of the parole board, for example can those outline...

FOI released 95 score 20 working days correspondence spending 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-16
Reference
FOI/202500489634
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Governance, oversight and policy development relating to sex offender management: FOI release

1. Registered Sex Offenders in South Ayrshire The number of individuals currently on the Sex Offenders Register who are managed within the South Ayrshire area. Where available, please provide a breakdown indicating how many are first-time offenders and how many have previous convictions for sexual offences. 2. Commun...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-10
Reference
FOI/202500493143
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Sub-groups, governance groups, working groups or policy boards attended by Ministers: FOI Review

Original request 202500490033 A list of any sub-groups, governance groups, working groups or policy boards that the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and the Minister for Victims and Community Safety and Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans have attended in the last calendar year. These would ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-10
Reference
FOI/202500493178 Review of 202500490033
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the Lord Advocate in relation transgender prisoners: FOI release

In relation to Topical Question time today in the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs refused to provide justification for pursing legal action in relation to its policy on transgender prisoners: "Presiding Officer, with the greatest of respect to you and all members in the chamber, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.5 s.18 s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-10
Reference
FOI/202500493242
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Information relating to Criminal Justice Board meetings and file paths of ERDM folders relating to associated documents: FOI release

Information…in relation to the Criminal Justice Board. Please provide: 1. Copies of the Board’s risk registers for the past two years (from November 2023 to the present). 2. Copies of the minutes of all Criminal Justice Board meetings held during the same two-year period. 3. Copies of the agendas for all Criminal Jus...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-09
Reference
FOI/202500491256
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Legal Aid Traineeship Fund information: FOI release

1. The annual costs incurred by the Scottish Government in delivering the Legal Aid Traineeship Fund for each financial year it was delivered. 2. A breakdown of these costs, including (but not limited to): Salary contributions per trainee. Regulatory costs (e.g., Practising Certificate fees, CPD). Administrative or m...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence spending 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-09
Reference
FOI/202500492785
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation held relating to the Gender Recognition Reform Bill: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held, including correspondence sent and received, minutes/notes from meetings, briefing, analysis, about the gender recognition reform bill from the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500491144
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence regarding prison overcrowding: FOI release

You asked for a copy of all correspondence between SNP MSPs and the Scottish Government on the issue of prison overcrowding.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.36(2) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500491658
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Scottish Prison Service correspondence regarding Scottish Prisons reaching capacity: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and her officials and the Scottish Prison Service regarding Scottish Prisons reaching capacity from 1 October 2025 to 24 October 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500491385
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice correspondence regarding Scotland’s prisons hitting record capacity: FOI release

Please provide the date when Angela Constance and her officials were informed that Scotland’s prisons had hit a record capacity of 8,430 inmates. Please provide all correspondence between Angela Constance and her officials on this issue.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500491421
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector