Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

11,099releases indexed
19,072attachments found
28.7avg calendar days
4,403partially withheld
2023-10-02oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 4,403 unclear 3,109 not held 1,663 released 816 already published 409 cost limit 376 clarification 166 withheld 123 transferred 34

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 2824 s.20 2437 s.34(1) 2118 s.39(2) 1920 s.30 1721 s.17(1) 1465 s.25(1) 1326 s.10(4) 1159 s.11(2) 933 s.29(1) 703 s.2 586 s.6(1) 478

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 743 releases · 28.1 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 632 releases · 29.1 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 437 releases · 29.3 avg days Marine Directorate 406 releases · 26.4 avg days Population Health Directorate 404 releases · 25.8 avg days Environment and Forestry Directorate 354 releases · 34.0 avg days Economic Development Directorate 334 releases · 41.5 avg days People Directorate 332 releases · 23.9 avg days
Clear
20 matching releases

Affordable homes costs and statistics: FOI release

Of the Scottish Government’s target to build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with 10% of them being rural, please can you: 1. Outline how many homes, which have been completed within this target since 2023, have been in rural parts of Scotland (and provide an annual breakdown). 2. Outline how many affordable homes,...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.2
Published
2026-05-12
Reference
FOI/202600501412
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and the introduction and operation of the self-catering thresholds: FOI release

The following recorded information only, relating to the application of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 in connection with the introduction and operation of the self-catering thresholds requiring properties to be actually let for at least 70 days and available to let for at least 140 days for entry or maintenance on th...

FOI released 75 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.20
Published
2026-05-06
Reference
FOI/202500498158
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Information regarding the Finnieston building in Glasgow: FOI release

I am looking to get information on the 2019 Platform building in Glasgow. The 2.0-acre site in Central Quay was supposed to be a regeneration project to build 498 BTR units – planning permission granted earlier in 2019. A previous FOI stated, " We are currently considering a Building Scotland Fund application for this ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.2 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-30
Reference
FOI/202600509869
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Correspondence relating to individuals being banned from licensed premises: FOI release

1. Copies of any correspondence sent to Scottish Ministers, Special Advisers, or the Scottish Government by: a) Sir Tom Hunter, or on his behalf, and/or b) members of the general public, which relates to requests, suggestions, or representations that individuals be banned from pubs or other licensed premises. 2. Cop...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-20
Reference
FOI/202600505430
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Exceptional Circumstances guidance issued to Scottish Local Authorities: FOI release

1. Whether the Scottish Government provided guidance and/or advice to Scottish Local Authorities as to the definition of "Exceptional Circumstances" (reference SSI 2021 No. 289 Clause 5B) and/or under what circumstances Exceptional Circumstances should be considered by Scottish Local Authorities. 2. Copies of any/all ...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.5B s.19 s.3 s.20 s.72 s.4A s.6
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500496382
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Affordable homes grants, loans and bonds data: FOI release

1) A table of all grants, loans and bonds issued by or on behalf of the Scottish Government for the purposes of building affordable homes. Please provide this including the amount of money paid out in the last 6 financial years, to whom they were paid and what repayments are due and when for each of these. Where they w...

FOI cost limit 70 score 17 working days correspondence contracts spending s.2 s.12 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-13
Reference
FOI/202500486835
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Various queries relating to Local Councils in Scotland: FOI release

1. As Local Councils in Scotland are listed on Companies House and have a Duns Number are they Corporations. 2. Are Local Councils in Scotland exempt from the Bills of Exchange Act and if they are could you please provide the exemption evidence? 3. Are Local Councils in Scotland Lawfully required to get a written Lia...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.17(1) s.5 s.17
Published
2025-11-03
Reference
FOI/202500477754
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Equal Pay claims correspondence: FOI release

1. The total financial cost (including compensation payments and legal costs) incurred by Scottish public bodies in settling equal pay claims each year, for the past five years. 2. The projected total liability for unresolved or outstanding equal pay claims as estimated by the Scottish Government, broken down by each ...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence meetings spending whatsapp s.2 s.4 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500463517
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Non-domestic rates information for various retailers: FOI release

Information on non-domestic rates in relation to the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 and for a range of specified retailers (ASDA, Scotmid, Keystore, Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Farmfoods, Costco): 1. Address of each retail unit within Aberdeen city limits. 2. Rateable value assigned to each property. 3. Poundage rate ap...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.2 s.11 s.12 s.17(1)
Published
2025-08-11
Reference
FOI/202500472652
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Private landlord data: FOI release

1. The number of residential properties owned by private landlords. 2. The number of residential properties owned by private landlords in each of the last ten years. 3. Detailed landlord information, including Landlord Name/ID Property postcode Annual rental yield per property (if available) Landlord's primary resid...

FOI released 100 score 19 working days correspondence s.2 s.3 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-07-29
Reference
FOI/202500466600
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Non-domestic rates charged on shooting rights and deer forests: FOI release

1. How much has the Scottish Government paid since 2019 (broken down by year and by council area) to local councils in sporting rates? a. What was the main purpose of this expenditure? Please provide dates and any further details and/or correspondence relating to the expenditure on sporting rates. 2. How much have Sc...

FOI not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.17(1)
Published
2025-06-26
Reference
FOI/202500458018
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural, Public sector

Placed Based Investment Programme (PBIP) funding and methodology of bids: FOI release

Information regarding North Ayrshire Council’s allocation from the Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) in 2024/25. In particular, you have asked us to provide the following: “1. Confirmation of North Ayrshire's allocation from PBIB in 2024/25, including details of the funded project(s) 2. A copy of the completed ...

FOI not held 70 score 9 working days correspondence ministers spending s.1 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.2 2 attachments
Published
2024-11-12
Reference
FOI/202400436877
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Sporting Rates funds: FOI release

"1. Are 100% of the sporting rates funds collected by local authorities and handed to the Scottish Government distributed back to councils? If not, how much is, where is this money going? 2. Are the funds divided and distributed to councils proportionally to the intake from Sporting Rates per council? For example, if ...

FOI unclear 55 score 7 working days correspondence spending s.2
Published
2024-10-17
Reference
FOI/202400433926
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Visitor levy (tourist tax), council tax and canal boats: FOI release

1. Does the Scottish Government intend the forthcoming visitor levy (tourist tax) to be applied to canal boats that are hired as overnight accommodation, or are they intended to be exempt? Please would you refer to any written communication clarifying what the intention is. 2. Please provide data showing a) how many r...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.2 s.4 s.17(1)
Published
2024-10-04
Reference
FOI/202400426134
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Fairer Council Tax: consultation and proposals: FOI release

1. How much money has been spent on the Scottish Government looking into the Fairer Council Tax proposal over the last five years, with a breakdown of each year and what the money has been spent on? 2. How many consultations has the government published about this topic and similar policies on the Fairer Council Tax p...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.38 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-15
Reference
FOI/202300387208
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Funds given to Glasgow City Mission: FOI release

1. How much money including additional funds have been given by the Scottish Government to the Glasgow city mission in Glasgow? 2. If funding has been given, was this requested or offered by the Scottish Government? 3. Were the funds restricted and if so what was the ring fence for? 4. Do you agree with people sleep...

FOI released 75 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.2 s.8(1) s.8
Published
2024-04-16
Reference
FOI/202400398196
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Public sector

Housing Development and Planning Policy: FOI release

1. A breakdown of all current housing development projects approved by your office within the last two years, including their locations, sizes, and intended purposes. 2. Copies of any correspondence, reports, or memos exchanged between your office and private developers or housing associations regarding potential deve...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.20 s.39(2) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.10(4) s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-04-11
Reference
FOI/202400399227
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Letting agent registration information for Homes Scotland Lettings Ltd: FoI release

1. All of the information held by the Scottish Ministers relating to the application by Homes Scotland Lettings Ltd for letting agent registration. 2. In particular, please send me the following: 2.1 All of the information held by the Scottish Ministers which was used to make its decision to enter Homes Scotland Lettin...

FOI clarification 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.39 s.38(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.5 s.20 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-02-22
Reference
FOI/202300373779
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Money received from wind farms in rent and non domestic rates: EIR release

How much money the Scottish Government received in the 2022/23 tax year: in rent from wind farms and single turbines on publicly owned land; in non domestic rates from wind farms and single turbines on publicly owned land; in non domestic rates from all local authority areas which they had billed for and collected on ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.10(4)
Published
2024-01-15
Reference
FOI/202300379829
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Short term lets definition: FOI release

You asked for: Under FOISA 2002 can you please provide the following info which I cannot find online: 1. Can you confirm whether the word "mandatory" is used in a legal sense conforming to the legal definition of the word "mandate" and, if not, by which definition is the word "mandatory" used if not in a legal sense. 2...

FOI unclear 55 score 9 working days correspondence spending s.3 s.6 s.16 s.2 s.19
Published
2024-01-15
Reference
FOI/202300382769
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector