Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
1,175 matching releases

NHS Recovery plan: FOI review

All previous drafts and versions, in full, of the NHS Recovery Plan that are held by the Scottish government and all comments, emails, notes and other written information relating to these drafts.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 88 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-06
Reference
FOI/202100251063
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Children's health and wellbeing census 21/22: FOI Review

What age children are targeted by the census? A full copy of the census. A copy of the ministerial sign-off of the census. A copy of senior civil service sign-off of the census. A copy of the data privacy risk assessment for the census. All communications with the FM and DFM on the subject of the census. The precise pu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.38(1) s.38 s.29(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-29
Reference
FOI/202200270559 Review of 202100260600
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Breakdown of legal advice provided to Ministers: FOI release

The number of times [not the actual advice] that the Law Officers of the Scots Govt have published [i.e. made publicly available ] formal legal advice given to Ministers acting for the SCOTTISH GOVT on any particular matter that has arisen & publicly released since the inception of Devolved Govt in Scotland ? Corollary...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.36 s.29(1) s.12
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
202200300906
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to carbon capture, utilisation and storage: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between Ministers of the Scottish Government and members of the Scottish Green Party regarding carbon capture, utilisation and storage from 6 May 2021 to dat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
FOI/202200298054
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Number of teachers required to fulfil commitment to reduce class contact time: FOI release

Any assessment carried out of the number of teachers that will be needed in order for the Scottish Government to fulfil its commitment to reduce class contact time and any information setting out how the government plans to meet this commitment and how much it expects it to cost. This freedom of information release hig...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.29(1)
Published
2022-05-09
Reference
FOI/202200285024
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Preparations and costs of Independence Prospectus: FOI release

In September, the First Minister announced that Scottish Government civil servants would start work on a detailed prospectus for independence (as reported here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland politics-58478187). On 4th November 2021, I submitted a Freedom of Information request which asked for informat...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-05-05
Reference
FOI/202200283353
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Victims, Criminal Justice and Fatal Accident Inquiries (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

1. Any analysis conducted by the Scottish Government of the Victims, Criminal Justice and Fatal Accident Inquiries (Scotland) Bill consultation. Please provide any analysis conducted after 14 December 2021 to the present date. 2. Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or h...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-11
Reference
FOI/202200284394
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

State pension and benefit payment responsibilities: FOI release

1. The source content and date of the secret cabinet briefing paper from John Swinney Finance Secretary (at the time) that was subsequently leaked. 2. Since 1 January 2012, any briefing papers, communications etc that clarified or otherwise that Scotland, if independent, would be responsible for the payment of pensions...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-04-07
Reference
FOI/202200281407
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Health and Social Care Review business case regarding transfer of child services: FOI release

The business case for the health and social care review particularly around transfer of child services. All correspondence on the business case (or similar document containing a business case). Any options appraisal or confirm there isn’t one; and Correspondence from Nicola Sturgeon and Kevin Stewart on the review from...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1)
Published
2022-03-23
Reference
FOI/202200280009
Directorate
Social Care and National Care Service Development
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

Scottish Parliament legal correspondence regarding UNCRC Bill: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (letters, emails, texts or otherwise between Scottish Government Officials and Scottish Government Ministers on the subject of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill where "competency" or the Scottish Parliament's legal competence is discuss...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-22
Reference
FOI/202100257606
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Correspondence regarding United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Bill: FOI release

"Copies of any correspondence (emails, texts, letters or otherwise) between Scottish Government officials and Ministers, where the UK Supreme Court decision on the case 'REFERENCE by the Attorney General and the Advocate General for Scotland – United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotla...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-17
Reference
FOI/202100257512
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Clinical advice provided to First Minister regarding self isolation rules: FOI release

The clinical advice received by the First Minister regarding self-isolation rules, in particular regarding the length of time that the self-isolation period should be and isolation for household contacts of a positive PCR case. Please provide this information for the following separate periods: The week commencing 6 De...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-15
Reference
FOI/202200269448
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Clinical advice given to First Minister regarding self isolation: FOI release

The clinical advice given to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon regarding self-isolation and Covid 19 in the period 1 December 2021 and 5 January 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-15
Reference
FOI/202200269512
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Discussion held regarding First Home Fund: FOI release

Copies of all communications involving Scottish Government Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries, sent between April 1 and October 22 of 2021, in which there is discussion of the First Home Fund.

FOI already published 80 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.29(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-02
Reference
FOI/202100250258
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Briefing notes prepared for Criminal Justice Committee September 2021: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100236359 Full content of all briefing notes, papers etc providing to the Cabinet secretary for Justice and Veterans and the minister for Community Safety in respect of their appearance before the Criminal Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament on 1 September 2021. Your review request, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 77 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.16(2) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-01
Reference
FOI/202100245911 review of 202100236359
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Total cost associated with the International Office Network: FOI release

Annual total operating costs for each international office The number of staff who work at each office What performance measures there are in each office to (a) monitor their effective, (b) ensure they are achieving their objectives and (c) provide value for money Actions which have been carried out by each office that...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-02-23
Reference
FOI/202100250152
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Communication regarding drafting of Covid-19 physical distancing guidance: FOI release

full details and copies of all internal and external correspondence regarding the drafting of the document; Coronavirus (COVID-19): calculating physical distancing capacity in public settings - draft Please provide full details of all internal ScotGov departments that were involved in the draft and all external individ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 200 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-23
Reference
FOI/202100194633
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Details of the Scottish Government Dalzell agreement: FOI release

Details on the Scottish Government's Dalzell agreement, specifically: On what date concerns regarding the indemnity were first raised with Ministers. What (i) legal, and (ii) external advice has the Scottish Government taken on the effect or legality of the indemnity. What, if any, assessments it has made on financial ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.2 s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29
Published
2022-02-21
Reference
FOI/202100267443
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Ernst & Young LLP communications regarding Just Transition Review of Scottish Energy Sector: FOI release

1) All internal correspondence between the Scottish Government and Ernst & Young LLP around the Just Transition Review of the Scottish Energy Sector awarded to the firm earlier this year. 2) All copies of the contract, specification of work, agreement, or further details about the work being undertaken by Ernst & Young...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-02-17
Reference
FOI/202100262356
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Children's health and wellbeing census 21/22: FOI release

A series of questions, and for information, with regards to the Health and Wellbeing Census. These are dealt with below. What age children are targeted by the census? You also asked for: 1) A full copy of the census. 2) A copy of the ministerial sign-off of the census. 3) A copy of senior civil service sign-off of the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.5 s.6 s.7 s.8 s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100260600
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Correspondence held concerning infected blood compensation framework study: FOI release

Copies of all e-mail correspondence held by the Director General for Health and Social Care concerning the infected blood compensation framework study being undertaken by Sir Robert Francis QC during the period 1st May 2021 - 8th Jan 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-02-16
Reference
FOI/202200270556
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Incorporation of Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal into Scottish tribunal system: FOI release

“All recorded information held which sets out the current position in respect of the project to incorporate the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal into the Scottish tribunal system following the power to do so being granted in the Scotland Act 2016, to include correspondence with the SCTS, Scottish judi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100261905
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Private sector housing rent controls: FOI Review

Any internal Scottish Government communications on the subject of the introduction private sector housing rent controls. Any briefings produced, or analysis carried out, in relation to the subject of private sector housing rent controls. Between 10 July 2021 and 19 August 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-10
Reference
FOI/202100243692 Review of 202100233226
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Education Scotland and SQA reform meeting: FOI release

Please send me all correspondence (including briefings, emails, letters, records of phonecalls), held regarding the meeting of the 24th of June referred to in answer to the response by the Scottish Government to the Question S6W-01187.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-08
Reference
FOI/202100229561
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Details of meetings with Equality groups: FOI release

Further to the information provided in FoI response reference 202100258782 dated 16 December (sent 31 December), for the organisations named in that response, and for any others not included in the list with which relevant meetings have been held, please provide: the dates of the meetings held, any notes or other reco...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) 6 attachments
Published
2022-02-07
Reference
FOI/202200269334
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector