FOI/202600504555 · FOI · unclear
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service funding query: FOI release
Information requested
Whether the funding provided to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is ringfenced and whether the prosecution sector receives a specific amount of funding from the overall COPFS funds.
Response
Funding for COPFS is approved as part of the Scottish Government’s overall budget process, with allocations formally agreed by the Cabinet. COPFS is an independent public prosecution service, and the Lord Advocate holds Ministerial responsibility for its operation. This constitutional position is reflected in the Scottish Budget documentation, including the COPFS chapter of the 2026-27 Budget, which outlines the service’s funding and strategic priorities.
With regard to ring‑fencing, while the Crown Office might indicate particular pressures in agreeing their budget allocation, there is no formal ring-fencing of the budget, and it is for COPFS to determine how its resources are deployed across its functions and activities.
Some of the information you have requested is available from Scottish Budget 2026 to 2027 - gov.scot .
Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.
However, you may wish to contact COPFS directly at FOI@copfs.gov.uk who may be able to help you.
Further information is found at the following website: Freedom of Information requests | COPFS.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Contact Please quote the FOI reference Central Correspondence Unit Email: contactus@gov.scot Phone: 0300 244 4000 The Scottish Government St Andrew's House Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Detected exemption language
Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.
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