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Scotland

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives people the right to access information held by Scottish public authorities such as local authorities and Communities Scotland. This section looks at how a request for information can be made and what to do if it is refused.

The right to ask for information

In principle anyone who asks for information from a Scottish public body will be entitled to receive it. However there are a number of circumstances in which the information may not be given. 

Making a request for information

If a request for information is made in the prescribed manner, a public authority must respond accordingly. 

Grounds for refusing

There are a number of grounds on which a public authority may refuse to provide information. 

Challenging a public authority's decision

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 includes provisions for challenging public authority decisions. 

Appeal to the Commissioner

An applicant can appeal to the Commissioner if s/he has exhausted the public authority's review process. 

This content applies to Scotland

Last updated: 29 December 2014