Scottish Government FOI Index

21,792releases indexed

39,278attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,073partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

1,214 matching releases

Total spend across Scottish Government Directorates: FOI release

What is the total value of current contracts you hold with external providers? Please provide data separately for the categories of goods, works and services. Please provide a list of current contracts with external providers showing the name of the provider, the service provided, and the value of the contract. Please...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.25(1) s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-31
Reference: FOI/202500471876
Directorate: Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Running Out Racism correspondence and meetings: FOI release

1. The dates and locations of all meetings between 1 December 2021 and 26 March 2025 that Scottish Government ministers or Scottish Government officials had (a) with Running out Racism (with or without others) and/or (b) with Paul Reddish (with or without others). 2. Any and all letters, emails or other forms of commu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.5 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-31
Reference: FOI/202500459291
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Requests for expenditure without statutory authority: FOI release

1. All instances of Scottish Ministers seeking written authority to insist to the relevant Accountable Officer that expenditure be incurred without statutory authority since 8 May 2024 as per paragraph 12 of the expenditure without statutory authority rules set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual. Please provide ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-30
Reference: FOI/202500466470
Directorate: Financial Management Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Edinburgh Book Festival 2025 funding: FOI release

Can I be sent all communication to and from the government about funding for the Edinburgh book festival in 2025. Can I be sent the process for applying for this kind of funding. I want to know how the process works e.g. how do people apply, how are these grants approved, what committee’s do they need to go through fo...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-30
Reference: FOI/202500473126
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Queries regarding draft responses to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

1. Between 1 January 2025 and present date, on how many occasions, broken down by Scottish Government Minister/Cabinet Secretary, has a Scottish Government Minister or Cabinet Secretary, when presented with a draft response to a Freedom of Information Request, responded with any other decision than approving of that dr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.3 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-23
Reference: FOI/202500464096
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Measurement of staff performance used by Scottish Ministers: FOI release

You asked for the following information covering the period 2021-25: 1. Details of the performance and productivity metrics employed to assess the effectiveness of government employees. This could include key performance indicators (KPIs), targets, or other criteria used to evaluate staff across various departments. ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.3 s.4 s.21(1) s.12 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-21
Reference: FOI/202500457382
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Hamilton investigation - publication of report: FOI Review

Original Request 202500459564 In regards to the below FOI, request 5: "In response to your fifth question, Mr Hamilton was advised of the publication of the report at 16:35 on 22 March 2021. He received a link to the publication at 16:39, but was not separately sent a copy by email." 1) Does this mean that Mr Hamilt...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 9 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-21
Reference: FOI/202500464619 - Review of 202500459564
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Ministerial salary increase timing and messaging records: FOI release

Access to records related to the timing and public messaging of the recent ministerial salary increase. Specifically: 1. **Internal Communications:** - Emails, meeting minutes, and memos between the Office of the First Minister and the Public Relations teams discussing how the timing of the announcement was chosen. - ...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-21
Reference: FOI/202500462016
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government request responses and use of free & frank advice exception: FOI release

In this request, when I refer to ‘free and frank advice exceptions’ I mean to refer to the application of a exemption from disclosure of requested information from a public body as an FOI or EIR request on the grounds that disclosure would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice, inhibit the free and frank excha...

FOI clarification 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2A s.25(1) s.6(1) s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-17
Reference: FOI/202500461547
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government Ministers overseas trips: FOI release

You asked for: 1) Since May 2016, on how many occasions have Scottish Government ministers taken trips overseas? 2) In relation to Q1, what method of transport did they use? Please specify aircraft type where applicable. 3) In relation to Q1, what class did they travel in? 4) On how many occasions, if any, did the ...

FOI not held 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.27(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2025-07-15
Reference: FOI/202500461317
Directorate: Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Parliamentary Written Questions Communications, Drafts and Background Notes: FOI release

All written materials, dating from 1 October 2024 to present date, to and from Scottish Ministers regarding parliamentary written questions from Craig Hoy or Murdo Fraser. This should include, but not be limited to, draft responses for approval, background notes, adjustment requests or approval messages from Ministers,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-10
Reference: FOI/ 202500460147
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Institute for Fiscal Studies report into income tax rises: FOI release

Further information on Scottish taxpayers following changes to Scottish Income Tax at the 2025-26 Budget, and: “all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about the IFS report into income tax r...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-07-10
Reference: FOI/202500463547
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Deputy First Minister's visit to the Clyde Gateway East Business Park: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from the meeting, briefings, analysis, about Kate Forbes visit to Clyde Gateway on November 13 2024.

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2025-07-10
Reference: FOI/202500458724
Directorate: Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, 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 queries: FOI release

1. How is the council tax calculated for different property categories in Aberdeen and what criteria is it based on? 2. How are the council tax rates formed in different areas of the city (A, B, C)? 3. What expenses are covered by council tax in the city’s budget? (education, healthcare, infrastructure repairs, etc.)...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.9 4 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458773
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Studies to improve data collection on quality of Scottish rental properties: FOI Review

Original request 202500458786 Information pertaining to the Scottish Landlord Register. Has any group or individual Civil Servant been tasked with studying how there could be more robust data collection on the quality of rental properties in Scotland? Can the recommendations or preliminary work done by Civil Servants...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458787 Review of 202500458786
Directorate: Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Housing, 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

Bus Franchising Consultations under Transport (Scotland) Act 2019: FOI release

You asked for the following information regarding bus franchising provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019: 1. Copies of all consultation documents, minutes, or correspondence related to bus franchising frameworks between the Scottish Government, Regional Transport Partnerships (e.g., Strathclyde Partnership fo...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.3 s.25(1) s.12 s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500463346
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Information on the First Minister's visit to Inverness Freeport: FOI release

You asked for all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from the meetings, briefings, analysis about John Swinney's visit to Inverness Freeport/visit to Sumitomo on November 18 2024, between October 15 2024 and December 15 2024.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-01
Reference: FOI/202500460404
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Ministerial communications to Scottish public bodies on due diligence: FOI release

Advice to Scottish public bodies on due diligence in 2021, may we either be directed to this or could you share? A letter from the Minister to companies identified as having a relationship with Scottish public bodies and being on the database, could this letter be shared and also the list of companies in receipt of thi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-30
Reference: FOI/202500459679
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Separate Scottish visa documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government about a separate Scottish visa, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, from the last three months.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-06-26
Reference: FOI/202500456818
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Safe Access Zones Team information and correspondence: FOI release

Information in relation to your previous FOI request 202500452918 concerning items from the Safe Access Zones Team shared erdm files and subsequent e-mail and correspondence.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.29 s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-06-26
Reference: FOI/202500457138
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

NHS Fife Tribunal and Scottish Government transphobia guidance: FOI release

1. A copy of the last press update/summary the Scottish Government communications team produced for Ministers and the First Minister regarding the tribunal. 2. A copy of the latest topical briefing regarding the tribunal. By topical briefing I mean a document which summarises an issue for the First Minister and other...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.3 s.30 s.38 s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-24
Reference: FOI/202500457127
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Health and social care, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

Honours and Awards process in Scotland: FOI Review

Original request 202500455400 I recently contacted the cabinet office asking about who and how awards and honours were determined in Scotland. They informed me the entire process in managed by the Honours and Protocol unit in the Scottish Government and that they simple rubber stamp the recommendations from Scottish G...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-18
Reference: FOI/202500457091 Review of 202500455400
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Documentation regarding pledge to return £46m to farmers and crofters: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government about the pledge to return £46m in funding to farmers and crofters by 2026 including correspondence sent and received, briefings, minutes/notes from meetings, analysis, from the last three months.

FOI already published 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-18
Reference: FOI/202500457122
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector