Scottish Government FOI Index

7,100releases indexed

11,002attachments found

26.0avg calendar days

2,867partially withheld

2024-09-02oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 2,867 unclear 1,842 not held 1,127 released 500 already published 296 cost limit 255 clarification 112 withheld 82 transferred 19

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 1974 s.20 1461 s.34(1) 1456 s.39(2) 1227 s.30 1195 s.17(1) 1022 s.25(1) 898 s.10(4) 763 s.11(2) 607 s.29(1) 519 s.2 448 s.3 342

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 491 releases · 27.4 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 425 releases · 27.5 avg days Marine Directorate 274 releases · 26.7 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 267 releases · 25.4 avg days People Directorate 243 releases · 23.7 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 229 releases · 31.2 avg days Population Health Directorate 228 releases · 24.7 avg days Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate 199 releases · 23.6 avg days

Clear

50 matching releases

Correspondence on Non-Domestic Rates Relief for deer forest: FOI release

Correspondence sent to Shona Robison re the Non-Domestic Rates Relief for deer forest through the Small Business Bonus Scheme within the last two months. Correspondence sent from Shona Robison re the Non-Domestic Rates Relief for deer forest through the Small Business Bonus Scheme within the last two months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.30B s.33(1) s.38(1) s.21 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-24
Reference: FOI/202600507009
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Money and tax, Public sector

Pubs and hospitality businesses correspondence regarding business rates: FOI release

“Could you supply all correspondence received by the Scottish Government from pubs and hospitality businesses about business rates as well as any responses to these emails/letters, from the last two months?”.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 0 working days correspondence s.20 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-22
Reference: FOI/202600506012
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, 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

Communications regarding former council leader: FOI release

Any emails containing the words "Jordan Linden" and "SNP" sent between September 21, 2019, and July 27, 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-20
Reference: FOI/202600505246
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Funding to Rural Stirling Housing Association (RSHA) for the Croftamie development: FOI release

I am writing to seek clarification on the conditions attached to Scottish Government funding provided to Rural Stirling Housing Association (RSHA) for the Croftamie development, specifically in relation to the installation of the air source heat pump (ASHP) systems. I would be grateful if you could confirm: 1. Whethe...

FOI clarification 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.4 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-14
Reference: FOI/202600506189
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

More Homes Scotland correspondence: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between Scottish government officials with a rank of deputy director or higher regarding More Homes Scotland. Information should include but not be limited to a detailed timeline (with dates) of a...

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

Published: 2026-04-01
Reference: FOI/202600502928
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Mansion tax documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis about a mansion tax, from the last two months.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-03-16
Reference: FOI/202600500301
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

LAR Housing Trust loan information: FOI release

Information regarding the £55 million loan provided by the Scottish Government to LAR Housing Trust in 2015. Specifically, you requested: Any conditions, covenants, or delivery requirements attached to the loan agreement regarding timescales for development or deployment of funds. Any agreed development pipeline, tar...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500497372
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, 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

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

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

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

Copies of concern regarding Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020: FOI release

1. The first recorded concern identified within the Scottish Government regarding the legislative competence of the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. 2. The initial recorded communications between officials relating to this concern, including any recorded consideration of whether ministers should be notified.'

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496147
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Documentation that mentions Lord Haughey: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, and analysis, which is to/from or mentions Willie Haughey, from the last three months. The period in question is 16 July 2025 until 16 October 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500489398
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Visitor levy amendment into the legislative schedule: FOI release

I would like to see any correspondence from or to ministers or ministers’ offices about the feasibility and will of getting the visitor levy change fitted into the legislative schedule.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500486387
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Doubling council tax on second homes documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about doubling council tax on second homes, from the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-11-18
Reference: FOI/202500479378
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Housing briefing pack: FOI release

“Any briefings prepared for the Cabinet Secretary for Housing ahead of her media interviews and/or visits that took place on 18 June 2025.”

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

Published: 2025-10-13
Reference: FOI/202500471793
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, 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

Former Minister for Housing correspondence regarding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): EIR release

1/ All correspondence received by or communicated from the Minister Paul McLennan between February 1 2020 and May 6 2025 relating to RAAC. This includes all forms of communication available, not limited to but including, email, text messages, whatsapp or conventional mail. To note, the timeframe for this request was l...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-08-06
Reference: EIR/202500464892
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Visit to Granton Station View for the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received, minutes/notes from the meeting, briefings, analysis, from Shirley-Anne Somerville's visit to Granton Station View for the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) on October 28 [2024].

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

Published: 2025-07-28
Reference: FOI/202500465766
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Ministerial meetings regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete: EIR release

Minutes of Mr McLennan and Ms Somerville’s meetings with Aberdeen City Council about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-07-21
Reference: EIR/202500463350
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Business rates relief for hospitality business information: FOI release

All external correspondence, minutes/notes from meetings, and briefings held about business rates relief for hospitality businesses, between December 1 2024 and December 15 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500457524
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Council tax relief funding information: FOI Review

Original request 202500453366 Information regarding council tax relief funding for the 2025 - 2026 financial year: 1. Allocation Breakdown: A detailed breakdown of the exact amount allocated by the Scottish Government to each of Scotland's 32 local authorities for council tax relief. 2. Supporting Documentation: Cop...

FOI clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.4 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458076 Review of 202500453366
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Rent pressure zone and rent control information: FOI release

1. How many councils have applied to the Scottish Government to implement rent pressure zones, could you supply their applications and the responses, i.e. whether it was accepted or rejected? 2. Could you supply all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens, including minutes/notes from me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-02
Reference: FOI/202500460576
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Background notes provided to Scottish Ministers for Finance and Local Government sessions: FOI release

All background notes provided to Scottish Ministers for Finance & Local Government sessions between: 1 January 2025 and 4 February 2025 6 February 2025 and present date

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-10
Reference: FOI/202500455809
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector