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

143 matching releases

Tree planting data spanning from 2018/19 to 2022/23: EIR release

Data relating to tree planting and similar activity spanning from 2018/19 to 2022/23. I'm aware that this data may be held by various government agencies including Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Forestry and NatureScot. In such cases, please promptly advise whether I should instead direct any of the below questi...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.10(4) s.11(2) s.10(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-08-14
Reference: EIR/202300381204
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Hydrogen Innovation Scheme costs and Cabinet discussions since 20 May 2021: FOI release

1. The number of times that the Hydrogen Innovation Scheme has been discussed at cabinet since 20 May 2021. 2. The cost to date of the Hydrogen Innovation Scheme.

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1)

Published: 2024-07-29
Reference: FOI/202300359859
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

UK Covid-19 inquiry cost: FOI release

Please provide a full breakdown of all costs relating to current and former Scottish Government ministers and officials preparing and giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 inquiry, including any spending on internal or external companies to help prepare witnesses and also internal and external legal advice. For internal ...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.15

Published: 2024-07-10
Reference: FOI/202400396675
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Waspi women correspondence, State Pension age and life expectancy: FOI release

1. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence, analysis, briefings and minutes/notes held about life expectancy in Glasgow, from the last 12 months? 2. What is the current Scottish Government position on the state pensions age, and all analysis undertaken on this? 3. ...

FOI not held 70 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.17(1) s.38 s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-07-10
Reference: FOI/202400417753
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Economy, Equality and rights, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

Consultation on minimum number of learning hours: FOI release

How much money has been spent on the Scottish Government looking into the minimum number of learning hours over the last five years, with a breakdown of each year and what the money has been spent on? How many consultations has the government published about this topic and similar policies on the minimum number of lear...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.25 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36 s.36(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-05-14
Reference: FOI/202300387204
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Minimum Pricing and UK Internal Market Act 2020: FOI release

1. Please publish the terms of legal advice provided to the Scottish Government as to whether it is required to seek an exemption from the 2020 Act (a) in general terms, and (b) prior to the Scottish Parliament voting for the Order which is to be laid on 19 Feb 2024. 2. Has the Scottish Government already sought an ex...

FOI not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2024-04-16
Reference: FOI/202400398823
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Various questions regarding COVID-19: FoI release

1. How many of Humza Yousaf's cabinet use their personal emails for government business? List of who does. 2. What was the final outcome of Ruth Charteris investigating into missing WhatsApps as referenced here: https://news.sky.com/story/scotlands-first-minister-humza-yousaf-to-fully-investigate-concerns-messages-not-...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.2 s.17(1) s.3 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-09
Reference: FOI/202400392573
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … 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

"Tinker Housing experiments": FOI review

Provide us with copies of the legal advice which your government has received on this matter. Provide a comprehensive explanation as to why the Scottish Government is unable to apologise on this, yet is able to apologise for various other historical injustice which preceded devolution such as those referred to above.

FOI not held 45 score 48 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: FOI/202200316652 Review of 202200304820
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Pardoning of witches: FOI review

You asked for review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A full list of those affected by the decision who were convicted under the Witches Act. Any email, chat group, written correspondence, memos or reports associated with or referencing the dec...

FOI not held 70 score 43 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI 202200295186 Review of 202200286394
Directorate: Justice 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

Sexual abuse in Scottish football: FOI review

Information regarding the role of Ministers and the Scottish Government in decision making around historic sex abuse in football and their relationship with Police Scotland on these issues. As well as seeking a review of the answers to specific questions in your original request, you also asked: "During the Covid emerg...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.5

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: FOI/202200295143 Review of 202200289175
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Additional funds to ensure more teachers are given permanent positions: FOI release

Firstly, given that you say that the SG have supplied additional funds to ensure more teachers are given permanent positions, can you let me know how many new positions have been created and the numbers of teachers by local authority who are on these “supply lists”. For example, albeit anecdotally, I understand that ov...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1)

Published: 2024-01-09
Reference: 202200321032
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme correspondence and legal preparations: EIR release

1. Is the Scottish Government preparing for lawsuits from businesses due to the deposit return scheme being delayed? If so, how are they preparing; if not, why? 2. Lorna Slater has repeatedly stated that the DRS is "cost neutral" could you supply the evidence to go with this? 3. All correspondence between businesses ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-04
Reference: 202300352797
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Permitted Development Rights review - phase 3: consultation: EIR release

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

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence meetings s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-12
Reference: 202300364088
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff mental health: FOI release

How many mental health breaks/requests have (a) Scottish Government directorates and (b) Scottish Government executive non departmental public bodies (NDPBs) received in each of the last five years. Please break this information down by year and by directorate/ NDPB. How many internal grievance cases are currently live...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.12 s.38(1) s.15 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-28
Reference: 202300358887
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Employment settlement considerations: FOI release

Please provide a breakdown, by year, of how many employment settlements the government has had to consider since 2017. By employment settlement, I am referring to what is described as a "potential settlement" or "potential settlement payment", or "potential settlement of claim" or substantively similar wording as discl...

FOI not held 45 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.6 s.17(1)

Published: 2023-11-24
Reference: 202200332042
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government departments involved in creating the Scottish Deposit Return Scheme policy: EIR release

“Which Scottish Government departments have been involved in the creation of the policy for the Scottish Deposit Return Scheme What are the total legal costs associated with the DRS, accumulated since 2018? Please provide any background notes, email exchanges, and internal communication between the First Minister and t...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-10-16
Reference: 202300357979
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Public sector

HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland investigation to Dundee University: FOI release

All information held by the Scottish Government – including the HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland – about the incident where a University of Dundee student posted video footage to social media that prompted an investigation by HMIAS in 2022. Please include all communication, both internal and external, relating to ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-09-18
Reference: FOI/202300368952
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Legal costs: FOI release

The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - around the decision to pause the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counse...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)

Published: 2023-08-28
Reference: FOI/202300368376
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-07-04
Reference: FOI/202300357986
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Imports, disease and biosecurity in relation to Atlantic salmon and salmon farming: EIR release

Information relating to the subject area of ‘imports, disease and biosecurity’ in relation to Atlantic salmon and salmon farming. The questions posed and information requested covered a number of areas including, import notifications, refusals to allow imports, authorisations associated with Aquaculture Production Busi...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.1 s.20 s.39(2) s.7 s.11(2) s.10(4) s.9 s.10 s.3 s.34(1) s.6(1)

Published: 2023-03-14
Reference: FOI/202200279510
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

EPS licences: EIR release

Question 1: What peer-reviewed evidence have MS used to determine that cetaceans are evenly distributed? Question 2: Do MS agree that the model can only be used to determine the probability that cetaceans will be disturbed by each ADD at any one moment in time? If MS do not agree, please give your reasons in detail. Gi...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-27
Reference: FOI/202200322854
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Various reports files sizes: FOI release

"Please could you provide me with the exact number of pages and their respective file sizes, when sent as attachments, of the following documentation that is held by the Scottish Government: The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of February 2018. The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2022-07-25
Reference: FOI/202200304533
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Government staff dedicated to dealing with Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

The number of Scottish Government staff dedicated to dealing with freedom of information requests for the last five financial years. The total salary costs for Scottish Government staff dedicated to dealing with freedom of information requests for the last five financial years. The number of external consultants e.g. l...

FOI not held 40 score 20 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2022-07-21
Reference: FOI/202200303320
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector