Freedom of Information
Introduction
Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 received Royal Assent on 28th May 2002. The Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by Scottish public authorities, including South Ayrshire Council, and is designed to promote greater transparency and accountability throughout the public sector in Scotland.
The Act comes into force in two stages:
From 1 June 2004, the Council is obliged
under section 23 of the Act to adopt and maintain a Publication
Scheme that sets out the classes of information that the Council
publishes or intends to publish; how it is published; and whether
there is any charge. Publication schemes are intended to encourage
public authorities to publish information pro-actively and to
develop a greater culture of openness by informing people about
the Council's decision-making processes, structures and
services.
The Scottish Information Commissioner - an independent public official with responsibility for enforcing the legislation - has approved South Ayrshire Council's Publication Scheme. The scheme is accessible by following the links on this page.
- From 1 January 2005, any person who makes
a request to a public authority for information will be entitled
to receive it, subject to certain limited exemptions. This means
that any information not available through the Council's
Publication Scheme will be available upon request.
Existing Rights of Access to Information held by the Council
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, individuals already have
access rights to personal information held about them. Other legislation,
including the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1985,
also allows the public to access certain types of information
created by the Council. The Freedom of Information (Scotland)
Act 2002 will extend these rights to cover other information.
South Ayrshire Council's commitment to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
The Council views the introduction of the Freedom of Information
(Scotland) Act 2002 as a welcome opportunity to improve the ways
in which it informs the public it serves, and to improve the ways
in which it manages the enormous amount of information it holds.
The Council is committed to conducting its business in an open
and transparent manner. The provisions of the Act will enable
the public to understand further the Council and its work, through
improved access to information.
For further information, please contact:
Alison Nelson
Senior Administration Officer
Department of Development, Safety and Regulation
South Ayrshire Council
County Buildings
Wellington Square
Ayr
KA7 1DR
Tel: 01292 612462
Email: foi@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Information links
South Ayrshire Council's Publication Scheme
Introduction and classes of information available under the Council's Scheme
Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Information on the Freedom of Information Act.
Scottish Government Freedom of Information
Information from the Scottish Government on the Freedom of Information Act
Scottish Information Commissioner
Information on the role and responsibilities of the Scottish Information Commissioner