Scottish Government FOI Index

22,874releases indexed

40,876attachments found

29.5avg calendar days

8,493partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-10-28newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,493 unclear 7,447 not held 3,283 released 1,596 already published 712 cost limit 634 clarification 376 withheld 250 transferred 83

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5215 s.20 4475 s.34(1) 3779 s.39(2) 3631 s.30 3032 s.17(1) 2975 s.25(1) 2550 s.10(4) 2085 s.11(2) 1634 s.29(1) 1244 s.2 1242 s.3 977

Timeline

2026-10 227 2026-09 8 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,334 releases · 27.8 avg days Marine Directorate 990 releases · 29.7 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 969 releases · 30.8 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 741 releases · 39.6 avg days Constitution Directorate 710 releases · 35.8 avg days Population Health Directorate 676 releases · 28.6 avg days People Directorate 663 releases · 25.5 avg days

Clear

2,975 matching releases

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) concerning non-surgical cosmetic procedures: FOI release

Please provide the following recorded information for the period 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2026: 1. All correspondence between the Scottish Government and BABTAC concerning non-surgical cosmetic procedures, aesthetics regulation, licensing, practitioner qualifications, beauty therapists, independent practitioners, in...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.5 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.17 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600517032
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Local authority funding for asylum and refugee homelessness: FOI release

1. Total funding provided by the Scottish Government to local councils specifically for asylum seeker and refugee homelessness and support in the last three financial years. 2. Breakdown of this funding by council (especially Glasgow and Edinburgh). 3. Any conditions or ring-fencing attached to this funding.

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600517181
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Number of local authorities offering electronic bills for Council Tax: FOI release

I'd like to find out how many local councils in Scotland offer the option of electronic bills for Council Tax (CT), please.

FOI not held 45 score 7 working days correspondence s.17(1) s.19 s.19(4)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600509797
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Queries regarding control of Regional Partnerships: FOI release

1. Why since taking Scotrail into Public Ownership has this (The Cairngorm Mountain Railway) and any other public assets similar to this not been taken into Scotrail (from Highlands & Islands Enterprise) as a universal benefit to society and further as an ongoing maintenance & cost saving efficiency plan? 2. This part...

FOI transferred 55 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.51 s.1 s.25(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600508297
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Number of child welfare hearings attended by the Minister for Victims and Community Safety and Civil Servants: FOI release

'The number of Scottish court cases in which Section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 has been explicitly enforced or relied upon by the court in respect of delay reduction, disaggregated by sheriff court and Court of Session, for each of the last five financial years for which data are held'; and 'The number of ...

FOI not held 45 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.11 s.17(1) s.7

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600507406
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Law and order, Public sector

Student Awards Agency Scotland - Assurance process information for software-based data erasure of end of life IT equipment: FOI release

1. Please confirm whether departmental policy, contractual terms or internal procedures require an explicit outcome-based warranty or guarantee confirming that personal data has been rendered irretrievable through software based erasure, whether carried out internally or by an external provider. 2. Where software base...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence contracts s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600506255
Directorate
Topic: Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Grant alignment, land valuation and scheme assumptions for Westwood Hill development: FOI release

I request the following information in relation to the Westwood Hill site in East Kilbride. 1. The date on which the Scottish Government was first informed that Westwood Hill was under active consideration for affordable housing development by SLC. 2. All correspondence (including emails, letters, internal notes, bri...

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.5 s.17(1) s.15 s.3 s.7

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600507338
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Social Security Scotland - Winter Fuel Payment queries: FOI release

In relation to the Winter Fuel Payment: Request for information 1: In which months recipients are scheduled to receive their Winter Fuel Payment. Request for information 2: What steps were taken to inform recipients of the expected timing of their payment, including any letters or other forms of communication issued....

FOI unclear 55 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600508819
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Social Security Scotland - Information on outstanding Pension Age Winter Heating Payments: FOI release

As of 1 March 2026 how many OAPs in Scotland entitled to receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment were still awaiting payment of that benefit?

FOI unclear 55 score 9 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600509128
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Bus passenger safety governance and oversight information: FOI release

Information relating to bus passenger safety, governance and oversight undertaken by Transport Scotland. Your request was for the period 1 January 2019 to present. Your request consisted of 5 sections we have responded to each one separately below.

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.25 s.29 s.4 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600506663
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Court Fee Working Group queries: FOI Review

Original request: 202600510916 Information regarding the Court Fee Working Group which is being established to support a wider review of the court fee structure. The full membership of the Court Fee Working Group, including names, roles, and the organisations represented. The terms of reference or remit governing the...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600512623 review of 202600510916
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events: FOI release

Clarification on the Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events, and the principles guiding these decisions. Specifically, you requested a clear explanation of how decisions on public holidays are made, and whether the Scottish Government intends to adopt a more equitable appro...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600505927
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Highlands and Islands school infrastructure information: FOI release

1. Minutes/read-outs (however the records of meetings) are kept that our constituent MSP, has organised, and or attended with the following to discuss the New Mull/Tobermory Campus: The Scottish Futures Trust The Scottish Government LEIP team The Scottish Government Learning Inspectorate The Scottish Government Island...

FOI clarification 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.4 s.5 s.9 s.7(1) s.7(4) s.17 s.23 s.2 6 attachments

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600516882
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Costs associated with asylum support: FOI release

1. Any data on the number of failed asylum seekers who become destitute and require support from Scottish public services. 2. Estimated costs to local councils and the Scottish Government of supporting this group.

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.2 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600517206
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Candidate statistics for 2026 election: FOI release

I am writing to submit a request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request any data or reports held on the number of foreign national candidates who: (a) stood for election, (b) were elected, or (c) withdrew their candidacy ...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600517353
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Technical changes to the electoral registration system: FOI release

I am writing to submit a request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request details of any IT system changes, software updates, or new verification processes introduced between 1 January 2024 and 31 May 2026 to allow electoral r...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600517377
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Provision and funding for asylum support: FOI release

1. Any current or planned policy changes regarding asylum seeker and refugee support in Scotland. 2. Any planned changes to funding for local councils or integration programmes for 2026/27 and beyond.

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.20 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600517193
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Implementation and assessment of play-based pedagogy in Scottish schools: FOI release

The implementation and assessment of play-based pedagogy in Scottish schools”. You specifically requested the following information: 1. Whether risk assessments are required to be undertaken prior to implementing play based pedagogy in schools, and if so, what guidance or criteria are used. 2. Whether behavioural ind...

FOI unclear 80 score 14 working days correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600507425
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Non-Surgical Aesthetic procedure complications and SP Bill 77 considerations: FOI release

1. Any Scotland‑specific data held or used by the Scottish Government relating to complications, adverse events, or deaths associated with non‑surgical aesthetic procedures (including, but not limited to, injectables, fillers and buttock filler procedures) from 1 January 2015 to the date of this request. 2. For each d...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 10 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600508661
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Data and internal discussions on Non-Surgical Aesthetic procedure adverse events in Scotland: FOI release

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 10 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600508630
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Meeting details between the Chief Social Work Adviser and Professor Alexis Jay: FOI release

1. confirmation of whether a phone call did subsequently take place between the Chief Social Work Adviser and Prof Alexis Jay. (In relation to Document 5 of Annex A from FOI 202500498571) 2. whether anyone other than the Chief Social Work Adviser or Prof Alexis Jay were present on that call. If not, please provide a r...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600502551
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Risk registers held by Social Security Scotland in relation to Adult Disability Payment (ADP): FOI release

Please provide the following information held by Social Security Scotland in relation to Adult Disability Payment (ADP), covering the 12 months prior to the date this request is received. Request for information 1: Risk registers / corporate risks Copies of any entries (including current or historic versions) within...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings spending s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600503205
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Complaints handling by Social Security Scotland: FOI release

Please provide information in relation to complaints handling by Social Security Scotland, excluding complaints handled directly by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). Unless otherwise stated, this request covers complaints handled under Social Security Scotland’s complaints procedure, including Stage 1 and ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600503217
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Data regarding the cancellations of NorthLink sailing between Lerwick and Aberdeen: FOI release

Over the last five full calendar years (2020 to 2025), how many times per month has a NorthLink sailing between Lerwick and Aberdeen (and vice-versa been cancelled” and “in the cancellations referenced in my previous question, please give the reason for the cancellations and how frequent they occurred in each month”. I...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-24
Reference: FOI/202600501829
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Scottish Government air travel loyalty programme queries: FOI release

1. Whether the Scottish Government are signed up to any 'air miles' schemes whereby they receive points or discounts for every flight taken in an official Scottish Government capacity. 2. If so, how many air miles or points have been accumulated by the Scottish Government in 2024, 2025 and so far in 2026. 3. How the ...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.5 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-23
Reference: FOI/202600502546
Directorate: Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic: Public sector