Scottish Government FOI Index

21,864releases indexed

39,478attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,113partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 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

21,864 matching releases

Reduction of public sector workforce risks registers and progress: FOI release

“All risk registers and progress updates held by the Scottish Government, in relation to Shona Robison’s promise to reduce the public sector workforce by an average of 0.5% every year, from the last month.”

FOI already published 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496119
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Non- Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020: FOI release

You asked for copies of all recorded communications between Scottish Government Ministers and officials during August 2025 that relate to concerns about the legislative competence of the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. This includes emails, submissions, briefings, notes of meetings, and any other recorded corre...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496157
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

Plans for proactive publication of relevant data and ongoing communications plans information: FOI release

“Under The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, I request sight of;" 1. "All information held about 'plans for proactive publication of relevant data" 2. "All information held about 'ongoing comms plans"

FOI already published 80 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496088
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill correspondence: FOI release

1. The correspondence that first informed the Scottish Government about the drafting error with the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020 which pointed out that the amendments made by the 2020 Act to devolve Empty Property Relief had not had the intended legal effect. 2. All correspondence between relevant Scottish G...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495336
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

Agricultural payments computerised system information: FOI release

1. Could you outline what action has been taken in the last three months in relation to updating the computerised system which deals with agricultural payments? 2. Please can you share any correspondence sent to Jim Fairlie, in the last three months, relating to the computerised programme dealing with agricultural pay...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings spending s.38(1) s.3 s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495822
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

Recorded communications containing certain phrases: FOI release

Any recorded communications from 13 November 2025 to the present that contain any of the following phrases ‘performance gap’, ‘reconciliation’, or ‘lower growth’. This includes emails, briefings, letters, and any other recorded correspondence held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.33(2) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496330
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence from Oil and Gas organisations regarding engagement with Scottish Government: EIR release

“All correspondence received by the Scottish Government from oil and gas organisations, trade bodies, or companies since 1 January 2022 referencing: lack of Scottish Government engagement, cancelled or rearranged meetings, or unanswered correspondence. Please include emails, letters, meeting requests, and briefing note...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496792
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, 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

Student Awards Agency Scotland policies, guidance and statistics: FOI release

SECTION A — POLICIES, PROCEDURES & GUIDANCE 1. Policies for DSA Travel Claims All internal policies and guidance relating to: verification of taxi journeys acceptable evidence for cash taxi payments use of private hire or independent taxi providers evidence assessment criteria contacting external parties during veri...

FOI not held 70 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.29 s.35(1) s.17(1) s.10 s.11 s.12 s.16 s.18 s.19 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500493969
Directorate
Topic: Education, Money and tax, 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

Transport Scotland - Swallow Roundabout in Dundee correspondence: EIR release

“Can you please provide all correspondence between your organisation and any other stakeholders concerning the Swallow Roundabout in Dundee? This should include correspondence with, but not limited to: Transport Scotland Dundee City Council Perth and Kinross Council Springfield Properties Amey Northeast Scotland Any o...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495959
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fiscal Commission regarding the distribution of Scottish taxpayers by income bands: FOI release

The period 22nd October 2025 – 1st December 2025, all correspondence and notes of phone calls or meetings between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fiscal Commission which discussed the distribution of Scottish taxpayers by income bands in the financial years 2023-24, 2024-25, or 2025-26.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496238
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Policy on Deletion of Messages on Apps during Covid-19: FOI release

1. Provide full and transparent details on 'the government policy used to permit the deliberate deletion of public data, and evidence, from Whatsapp during COVID" expressed by Anas Sarwar during First Ministers Questions - 20th November 2025 in Hollyrood. First Minister John Swinney's response was, and I quote: "...To...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts whatsapp s.2 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495382
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Meetings held with Dundee University in 2025: FOI release

How many meetings has a Scottish Government Minister held with Dundee University in 2025, and could you supply all minutes/notes from these meetings? Could you supply all meeting requests made by Dundee Uni as well in 2025, and whether these were accepted or rejected? Your request refers to meetings with ‘Dundee Unive...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.33 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495821
Directorate: Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

List of late Freedom of Information response cases: FOI release

From FOI 202500490388: For release PDF - List of late cases - August 2025 - Redacted.pdf For release PDF - List of late cases - August 21.08 - Redacted.pdf Under The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, I request sight of: 1. The LIST OF LATE CASES - September 2025

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496639
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government correspondence regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the office of the First Minister regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. Information should include but ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495526
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

List of late response cases: FOI release

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496640
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Business Gateway funding communications: FOI release

Copies of any recorded communications to or from Ministers concerning Business Gateway funding from the past six months. This includes emails, letters, briefings, and any other recorded correspondence held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496349
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Brussels trip documentation: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation seen by John Swinney or his office about Angela Constance's trip to Brussels on November 19? When was John Swinney made aware of Ms Constance heading to Brussels on that date? Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and receive...

FOI cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495530
Directorate: EU Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Warmworks contract information: EIR release

1. Confirmation of the governance arrangements in place to ensure that delivery partners, such as Warmworks, comply with Scottish Government policies and legal obligations regarding personal data. 2. Copies of the Data Processing Agreement, Data Protection Impact Assessment, and any Information Sharing Agreements or P...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 19 working days correspondence meetings contracts s.4 s.14 s.2 s.3 s.11(2) s.10(4) s.5 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: EIR/202500495801
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Scottish Forestry gender and specific demographic groups queries: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) Act 2002, I would like to request the following information held by you: 1. What your organisation understands the word ‘woman’[1] to denote. 2. What your organisation understands the terms: lesbian, bisexual and gay to denote? 3. Actions that you have carried out for ...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.7 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.25 s.38(1) s.33(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202600501731
Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Data Protection complaints procedure and Warmer Homes Scotland programme Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA): FOI release

The Scottish Government’s documented process, policy, or procedure for receiving, assessing,and responding to data-protection complaints, given that these are not handled under the MCHP complaints procedure. The Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for the Warmer Homes Scotland programme. If no DPIA exists, please ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495647
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Briefing pack provided to Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise: FOI release

A copy of the briefing back that was provided to Natalie Don-Innes in advance of the Urgent Question that she answered on 25 November 2025.

FOI released 95 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495812
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Scottish Government’s engagements with NHS Boards in relation to winter preparedness planning: FOI release

In light of the publishing of the Scottish Government’s surge and winter preparedness in health and social care services national planning priorities and principles, whether the Scottish Government has received a finalised document from health boards outlining their operational surge and winter preparedness plans for 2...

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.1 s.2 s.3

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495527
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Senior Constitution Special Adviser communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Constitution Special Adviser Ewan Crawford during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 15 working days correspondence special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496219
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector