Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,852releases indexed
39,456attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,108partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,108 unclear 7,199 not held 3,065 released 1,537 already published 670 cost limit 607 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4927 s.20 4276 s.34(1) 3585 s.39(2) 3477 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2772 s.25(1) 2376 s.10(4) 1984 s.11(2) 1570 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 399 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 1,276 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 966 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 922 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
7,199 matching releases

State Pension Payments: FOI release

Since 5th May 2011, has the Scottish Government ever sought legal advice on who would be legally responsible for paying the state pension in an independent Scotland? In other words: has advice been sought on the question of whether a continuing UK Government would have a legal obligation to pay the state pension to peo...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence spending
Published
2024-04-08
Reference
FOI/202400403372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Building a new Scotland, Public sector

Budget reduction in the provision of affordable homes: FOI release

Please quantify the budget reduction in the provision of affordable homes announced within the budget. I believe the figure reported in the press is £196 million but, I would like this confirmed via a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence
Published
2024-04-08
Reference
FOI/202400403192
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture(SASA) Translation, Interpretation and language services costs: FOI release

Please provide me with the following information for the financial years 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23. All expenditure made by your organisation, in every facet of its operations and purview, on translation, interpretation, and language services. Please provide the aggregated total spent by your organisation and then, i...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence spending
Published
2024-04-04
Reference
FOI/202300391308
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

European Regional Development Fund: FOI release

I am seeking information about the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) programmes. This is with regards to the funding cycles of 2007-13 and 2014-20. The questions are for each funding cycle and am seeking answers relating to each funding cycle separately.

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence spending s.10
Published
2024-04-04
Reference
FOI/202300387142
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Transport Scotland current contract covering reprographics/print arrangements: FOI release

Number of MFDs (Multi-functional devices) & photocopiers at Mobility & Access Committee for Scotland Name of incumbent Start/end date of contract (if expired, WHEN do you expect to revisit the marketplace) Details of any extension options What framework / Route to market used Number of regular/desktop printers (in addi...

FOI unclear 50 score 9 working days correspondence contracts spending
Published
2024-04-03
Reference
FOI/202400393883
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scotland's pledged at COP 26: FOI release

You asked for confirmation of: 1) of the £2 million Scotland pledged at COP 26, held 31st October - 12th November 2021, for loss and damage 2) how much has been paid, and to what persons or organisations

FOI unclear 50 score 3 working days correspondence
Published
2024-04-03
Reference
FOI/202400393612
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Number of FOIs submitted regarding Education and Skills: FOI release

The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 30 November 2023. By Education, I am referring to any subject that may fall under the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for higher and further education and the Minister for children, you...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence ministers s.20
Published
2024-04-03
Reference
FOI/202400392433
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Circularity Scotland tender process: EIR release

I would be grateful to receive a copy of all communication between the Scottish Government and Circularity Scotland regarding the tender process carried out which ultimately led to Biffa being awarded the contract. The period I would like this EIR to cover is 1st January 2022 and 31st October 2023.

FOI/EIR unclear 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers contracts 2 attachments
Published
2024-04-01
Reference
FOI/202300385256
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Transport Scotland yearly number of employees: FOI release

“The approx. yearly number of Transport Scotland employees 2018 to present and their roles."

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
FOI/202400397368
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Social Security Scotland status and statistics of applications: FOI release

Request for information 1: All definitions or terms Social Security Scotland uses to categorise the status of claimants' applications. In other words, the terms Social Security Scotland uses to refer to the status of applications for benefits. I imagine there must be categories that reflect which stage applications ...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.25(1)
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
FOI/202400396724
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme: EIR release

1. Can you please confirm the number of instances where a signed grant & loan funding agreement through Home Energy Scotland has been reneged following completion of works? 2. Can you advise the process for debt recovery for those who have fallen on financial hardship and can no longer repay the loan? 3. Of the grant...

FOI/EIR unclear 50 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
EIR/202300390300
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Funding to Scottish Islamic and Cultural Centre charity: FOI release

Can you please tell me if Scottish Government departments have provided funding to the charity "Scottish Islamic and Cultural Centre, SC045065" and if so the dates and amounts of these grants/funding and any conditions associated with them including names of Trustees."

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
FOI/202400391692
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

ScotRail Alcohol Ban: FOI release

1. What written rules/regulations, allowed the Minister for Transport to interfere in operational matters that are surely the responsibility of the Management and Board of Scotrail? 2. Can you please provide me with the full details of the names of the Politicians and Political Parties they represent, who voted for th...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
FOI/202400399100
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Funds sent to Gaza: FOI release

In relation to the £750,000 of aid given to Gaza: Was this sum in the original budget for 2023-24? If not, was the sum (or excess) taken from another planned spend or from another department? What was the original planned spend per territory for 2023-24?

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
FOI/202400399962
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Scottish Government staff associated with Ministers: FOI release

"The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for all of the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-03-28
Reference
FOI/202400392767
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Energy Consent Unit staffing levels: FOI release

Can you please provide me with details of the staffing levels at the Energy Consent unit? How many people work in this department and what are the staff grades of those who do? Can this be split into the Glasgow and Edinburgh offices as there appears to be two offices?

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence
Published
2024-03-27
Reference
FOI/202400395982
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Scottish Government Working Groups: FOI release

1. The number of Scottish Government Working Groups currently. 2. The total amount spent by the Scottish Government on Working Groups for the years 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24. 3. The budgets for each working group in the years given above. 4. How those working groups spent their money (salaries, expenses, office s...

FOI unclear 75 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence spending 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-26
Reference
FOI/202300390761
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Letter to Argyll and Bute Council regarding A83 Rest and Be Thankful: FOI release

Michael Matheson MSP, former Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity’s response to a letter from the leader of Argyll and Bute Council, and then MSP for Argyll and Bute, dated 16 February 2021.

FOI unclear 75 score 16 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-26
Reference
FOI/202400391794
Directorate
Topic

Asbestos Register for Marine Laboratory Campus buildings: EIR release

The following information in relation to all buildings on the Scottish Government’s, Marine Laboratory Campus, Victoria Road, Aberdeen for the period 21-Nov-2002 to 13-Dec-2023: 1. The entire Asbestos Register and confirmation if there are any gaps during this period. 2. A record of all testing for Asbestos that was ...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.2 s.3
Published
2024-03-26
Reference
FOI/202300389342
Directorate
Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Free personal and nursing care figures breakdown: FOI release

"Could you please provide an annual figure in pounds for providing free care in Scotland? Can you please also provide figures for each year since it’s inception?"

FOI unclear 80 score 17 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-25
Reference
FOI/202300391061
Directorate
Social Care and National Care Service Development
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Student Support (Scotland) Regulations 2022 guidance: FOI release

"A copy of all guidance, manuals or other documentation relating to the operation of para. 5 of Schedule 3 to the Student Support (Scotland) Regulations 2022. Specifically, I am looking for any guidance, etc, on the practical application of the term "temporarily employed" within that paragraph."

FOI unclear 80 score 19 working days correspondence s.20 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-25
Reference
FOI/202300390851
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Just transition and onshore wind development correspondence: EIR release

“All information that the Scottish Government holds, has prepared, and is preparing, in-house or through consultants or academics, in relation to the economic and social benefits of onshore wind in Scotland. In particular the economic benefits that onshore wind farms bring or will bring nationally and to the local comm...

FOI/EIR unclear 80 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.27 s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-25
Reference
FOI/202300389268
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Public sector estate and asset information: FOI release

"I’m trying to gather some information on the non-domestic public sector estate in Scotland – properties owned or leased by Scottish Government and its departments/directorates, NDPBs, colleges, police, Fire/rescue, prisons, courts, local authorities and NHS boards.... ...Would you have any of this? Public body Site ...

FOI unclear 75 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-21
Reference
FOI/202300389862
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic
Public sector