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

932 matching releases

Scottish offshore marine protected areas information: EIR release

Please kindly provide details of meetings between Scottish Government officials and Ministers, specifically the dates, attendees and minutes of the meetings where proposals for fisheries management measures in offshore marine protected areas were discussed. Please kindly provide copies of written correspondence (email ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: EIR/202500486216
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Scottish Government Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting dates and membership on Climate Emergency: EIR release

the dates of meetings of the Scottish Government Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Climate Emergency since its inception in 2021 the details of which Scottish Government Ministers or Cabinet Secretaries attended these Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Climate Emergency meetings any documentation relevant to the meetings, inclu...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39 s.10(4) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500486579
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Student Awards Agency Scotland student support regulations and ministerial guidance: FOI Review

Original Request 202500480810 1) Eligibility rules, guidance and terminology 1.1 Current eligibility policies and any post-2019 change logs covering residency/immigration categories and evidence requirements, including ministerial guidance relied upon. 1.2 Any internal guidance/training issued to staff addressing th...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.1 s.2 s.3 s.5 s.15 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500484523 Review of 202500480810
Directorate
Topic: Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) board member appointment information: FOI release

You asked for information on the “changing legal requirements” which had impacted the appointment of three new members to the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), specifically: 1. A detailed explanation of the specific legal changes referenced in relation to CHS appointments. 2. A list of other public bodies,...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500484747
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector, Work and skills

Transport Scotland A90/A937 upgrade correspondence: EIR release

“Regarding Transport Scotland plans to upgrade the A90/A937 south junction at Laurencekirk, may I ask: 1/ for a copy of correspondence between Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Ministers/Transport Scotland regarding the upgrade since January 1 2025; both sent and received 2/ All correspondence received by or communi...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: EIR/202500485001
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Fairness and diversity impact of online assessments in recruitment queries: FOI release

1. Assessment Design and Use The criteria and scoring methodology used in any online assessments that contribute to candidate shortlisting, including how "suitability" or other composite scores are derived. A list of all third-party providers (e.g., psychometric test publishers or platforms) currently used for online ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.3 s.4 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500485953
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Blue Badge scheme “risk in traffic” eligibility criterion information: FOI release

You asked for further information in relation to the Blue Badge scheme in Scotland, specifically the “risk in traffic” eligibility criterion introduced via the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016 (SSI 2016/72)

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.17(1) s.36 s.36(1) s.4(3B) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500482421
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Costs of Scots language plays for schools initiative: FOI release

1. The full costs associated with the production and distribution of the new series of Scots language plays for schools, as announced by the Depute First Minister at a Glasgow printworks. 2. A breakdown of any contracts awarded, including the name of suppliers/organisations involved in the printing, publishing, or dis...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500482581
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Strategic Network for the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 information and Long Covid Support Fund queries: FOI release

1. The (a) meeting minutes, (b) full subgroup membership, and (c) any corresponding documents for the Scottish Government’s Strategic Network for the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19. 2. Whether any of the £4.5m Long Covid Support Fund, announced in the 2024-25 budget, has been spent. 3. Whether any of the £4.5m Long Co...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.34(1) 12 attachments

Published: 2026-01-07
Reference: FOI/202500484092
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Police Scotland funding for 20mph speed limit: FOI release

What additional resources have been made available to Police Scotland to allow them the discharge their enforcement duties relative to the 20mph limits on the more that 800 streets in Midlothian ? What additional resources have been made available to Police Scotland to allow them the discharge their enforcement duties...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-06
Reference: FOI/202500483646
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Former First Minister’s engagements and financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network): FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting the following information regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s engagements and any financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network) during her tenure as First Minister of Scotland (from November 20, 2014, to March 28, 2023) or in any official...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-06
Reference: FOI/202500482305
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Landlords in Scotland statistics: FOI release

You asked for an update to the published answer to request FOI/202400423932 (and FOI/202000090239) in particular to the breakdown of how many landlords there are on the register and how many properties they own in the same bandings as before. The original request had also asked for: How many landlords in Scotland are...

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

Published: 2025-12-31
Reference: FOI/202500481827
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Consultation queries: FOI release

Information relating to consultations over the last 5 years. In particular, information relating to: The average time taken over the last 5 years between closing a consultation and publishing an analysis of responses, as well as publishing the responses themselves The longest time taken, over the last 5 years, between...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-24
Reference: FOI/202500483584
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Sponsorship and oversight of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) queries: FOI Review

Original request 202500478551 You asked for the following information regarding the Scottish Government’s sponsorship and oversight of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), with particular focus on its legal compliance, safeguarding policies, use of public funds, and ideological neutrality.

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.38(1)B s.3 s.17 s.17(1) s.38 s.34(1) s.15 4 attachments

Published: 2025-12-23
Reference: FOI/202500482902 Review of 202500478551
Directorate: Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Wellbeing Economy Governments (WEGo) correspondence between First Minister and Deputy First Minister: FOI release

1. The number of Scottish Government officials who support the work of the Wellbeing Economy Governments Partnership Secretariat. Please provide the number of individuals and their pay band as at 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and so far in 2025-26. 2. All the work conducted by Scottish ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-10
Reference: FOI/202500482976
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Raising of Palestinian flag on Scottish Government buildings: FOI Review

Original Request - 202500483555 “Publish all correspondence (including those of the First Minister and his advisors and “spin doctors”) relating to the raising of the Palestinian flag. These communications should include all warnings and impact assessments done into the repercussions (especially from the Jewish/Israel...

FOI not held 70 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-10
Reference: FOI/202500488559 Review of 202500483555
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence between Novara Media and Scottish Government: FOI release

You asked for records relating to any connections, interactions, or links between the Scottish Government (including its ministers, officials, and departments), Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), and Novara Media (a UK-based media organization, also known as Novara Media Ltd or operating under the trading name ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500482885
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Sponsorship and oversight of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC): FOI release

Following on from your previous FoI request (ref. 202500478551), you asked for the following information regarding the Scottish Government’s sponsorship and oversight of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC).

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.1(1) s.9(1) s.38(1) s.30

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500484160
Directorate: Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Beaw Field Wind Farm planning permissions: EIR release

1. Status of deemed planning permission(s). Please confirm, as a matter of fact and law: a) Whether the 2017 deemed planning permission lapsed on 30 November 2022; and b) Whether the 2023 deemed planning permission lapsed on 30 November 2024; If not, please identify the Ministerial decision or other legal basis on wh...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.27 s.3 s.36 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.36C s.42 s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: EIR/202500480807
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Energy, Environment and climate change, +1 more … Public sector

Hybrid working policy alignment with climate commitments, infrastructure Costs, and senior leadership discussion: EIR release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting access to materials regarding the Scottish Government’s hybrid working arrangements, their alignment with Scotland’s climate targets, and associated infrastructure costs. I am particularly focused on how internal discussion has evolved under differen...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.3 s.4 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(5) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: EIR/202500478223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector, Work and skills

Low cost renewable energy generation: EIR release

“Speaking in the Scottish Parliament on 2nd September 2025, the First Minister made reference to “our vast low cost renewable energy generation”. Please provide a list of the renewable generations assets in Scotland which the First Minister was characterising as “low cost”. And for each asset, please provide any infor...

EIR not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.10(4)

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: EIR/202500483195
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Scottish Funding Council letter regarding strategic recovery of University of Dundee: FOI release

You asked for a copy of correspondence held by the Scottish Government that contains the following passage (or substantially similar wording): “The SFC’s view is that it is not appropriate that such fundamental decisions on shape and structure, as posited by the current university recovery plan, which will bind the un...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500481108
Directorate: Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic: Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Scottish Government ministerial staff statistics: FOI release

1. The current number of staff that currently report directly to each Scottish Government Minister (please can you break this down by each Scottish Government Minister). 2. The total amount currently paid in salaries to staff supporting each Scottish Government Minister (please can you break down total amounts by each...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-08
Reference: FOI/202500481703
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Data on care home residents: FOI release

In the reply, it was stated that “it is not possible currently to arrive at shortfall figures, as the datasets involved (Care Home Census and FPNC uptake) cannot be directly reconciled.” The residents in question are not statistical abstractions: they are identifiable individuals with National Insurance numbers, tax r...

FOI not held 40 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2025-12-08
Reference: FOI/202500483868
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Procedural failures in public notice for Mey BESS application: EIR release

Annex A confirms that the public notice for Mey BESS was published incorrectly in June 2024, requiring republication and an extended consultation deadline. This constitutes a material procedural irregularity. I request disclosure of all internal discussions, legal advice, or correspondence relating to this failure and ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.36 s.10(4)

Published: 2025-12-08
Reference: EIR/202500483963
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector