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
26 matching releases

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

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

South Lanarkshire Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) obligations: FOI release

1. SEA requirements for SHIP Is a Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) considered a qualifying plan under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, particularly when it introduces new land-use proposals not previously assessed in the LHS SEA? 2. Public Rights and Remedies What recourse does a member of t...

FOI clarification 55 score 15 working days correspondence s.4
Published
2026-01-20
Reference
FOI/202500488766
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

Council Tax enforcement: FOI release

1. Policy Documents Governing Summary Warrants Internal guidance, memos, or statutory interpretation documents relating to the use of summary warrants for council tax enforcement Legal justification for bypassing judicial hearings and denying debtors the right to rebut 2. Council Tax Redistribution Breakdown Percent...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.19 s.30 s.17(1) s.84 s.81
Published
2026-01-12
Reference
FOi/202500484756
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Money and tax, 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

Local authority use of Arm’s Length External Organisations (ALEO’s): FOI release

1. Has the Scottish Government ever been informed of Glasgow City Council’s use of multiple corporate identities and D-U-N-S numbers? 2. Has any public servant in government correspondence acknowledged or accepted this practice? 3. Which incorporated entity holds the liability and legal standing to enforce Council Ta...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.70 s.75
Published
2025-10-16
Reference
FOI/202500475278
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, 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

Documentation and correspondence on Visitor Levy: FOI release

FIRST All documents relating to the question and view taken by the Scottish Government as to whether the Visitor Levy as proposed to be raised and collected by Local Councils, under the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 is taxable income in the hands of the business subject to the levy, (namely the “accommodation provi...

FOI not held 70 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.36(1) s.3(2) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-09
Reference
FOI/202500456480
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Council tax correspondence: FOI release

1. Could you supply all correspondence and minutes/notes of meetings between the Scottish Government and councils about council tax in the last two months? 2. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government about the cost of holding the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026, including correspondence...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-04-09
Reference
FOI/202500453158
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Visitor Levy Act queries: FOI release

Please provide the specific reason used by the Scottish Government to decide that the visitor levy would be treated as part of the accommodation provider’s turnover. Please provide the specific reason provided to HMRC by the Scottish Government for treating the visitor levy as part of the accommodation provider’s turn...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.5 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.3(2)
Published
2025-02-24
Reference
FOI/202500449922
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Granting of the title of Lord Provost to the Provost of Stirling Council: FOI release

Information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the granting of the title of Lord Provost to the Provost of Stirling Council.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-01-09
Reference
FOI/202400438978
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, 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

Short-term lets, rent freeze and Association of Scotland's Self Caterers meeting requests: FOI release

1. What is the current sign-up rate for short-term lets in Scotland, i.e how many have been received in each region compared to how many are registered in each region? 2. What is the rejection rate like in terms of applicants? Can you include how many applied and how many have been rejected? 3. How much money has the...

FOI already published 80 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.27 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.38 s.12 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-15
Reference
FOI/202300381853
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

Affordable Housing Supply Programme Coordination Group minutes: FOI Review

Original request - 202300386087 Under FOISA please provide the Affordable Housing Supply Programme Coordination Group minutes for meetings held since 18 August 2023.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.33(2) s.27 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-05-21
Reference
FOI/202300390763 Review of 202300386087
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Cladding Stakeholder Group information: EIR review

Documents relating to the Cladding Stakeholder Group (formed in June 2021 all monthly agendas and minutes, since the Group was formed the full membership list of the Group, including any historical membership lists where members have left/joined the terms of reference for the group any documents produced by the Scotti...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 4 attachments
Published
2024-02-01
Reference
EIR/202200320481 Review of FOI/202200313906
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Building and fire safety working group: EIR review

Provide the update SG Officials provided on the Single Building Assessment (SBA), including any notes, briefings and slides circulated or prepare. Detail the make-up of the buildings included in the pilot phase which illustrates the "range of different building sizes and issues to ensure the SBA process is robust". Pro...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-18
Reference
EIR/202200308093 Review of 202200293106
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights correspondence around accommodation: FOI release

All correspondence (digital and paper), meeting notes and minutes, and telephone call transcripts between the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights, Patrick Harvie MSP, and individuals or organisations claiming to represent a) tenants, b) private landlords, c) social landlords and d) pur...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 62 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.30 54 attachments
Published
2023-12-18
Reference
202300346134
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Total expenditure paid by DEFRA et al: FOI Review

Further to my email of 25 August, and your further request for a review of our failure to respond within the original deadline, I have now completed my review. You asked for the total public expenditure paid by DEFRA, the Scottish Government and/or any other public bodies in connection to the response to Aarhus commun...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.16(3) s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2023-12-15
Reference
FOI Review - 202300373083
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Consultation on changes to permitted development rights in Scotland: EIR release

You asked for information relating to section 6.2 of the public consultation on Phase 3 of the Scottish Government's review of permitted development rights (PDR). As the information you have requested is 'environmental information' for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), w...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-12
Reference
202300360400
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Proposed South East Scotland Strategic Development Plan: EIR release

Any advice given to Ministers on rejection of the Proposed South East Scotland Strategic Development Plan (SDP) between 20th July 2018 and 19th May 2019.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.20 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-12
Reference
202200298249
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector