What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act (FOI) came into effect from 1 January 2005, and aims to increase openness and accountability by ensuring people can access information held by Scottish public authorities - including, of course, Glasgow City Council.
People have the right to access all types of recorded information and, apart from certain specific exemptions, authorities and their staff must comply with these requests.
Every type of recorded information the Council holds is covered by the Act, including old records, archives, minutes and business papers. FOI is retrospective, meaning people can ask for information relating to issues from years ago. Enquirers do not have to give a reason for asking for the information.
Are there any exceptions to providing information?
Yes, there are some. If, for example: giving the information would cause a breach of confidence to a third party; if it divulged personal information on an individual; or if the information was commercially sensitive. The Council can give advice on exemptions, which are detailed in the Act.
How much does it cost?
Scottish Executive regulations govern the scale of fees which can be applied for providing information. Costs for providing published materials are set out in the Council’s Publication Scheme.
The Council has discretion in applying fees. You will be advised of any costs applicable and will be required to pay costs before the information is provided.
What is an FOI request?
Any individual or organisation can make a request for information the Council holds, and will be entitled to receive it, provided no exemptions apply. Requests must :
be in writing or some other permanent form (eg e-mail or recorded message) state the applicant’s name and address describe what information is required.
You can make an FOI request in the following ways:
- E-mail Freedom of Information enquiries/requests to: foi@glasgow.gov.uk.
- Phone: 0845 270 1555 (+44(0)1414181792 if calling outside the UK)
- Complete an on-line request form.
- Fill in and return a Request Form to the address below
- Post your request to:
- Glasgow City Council
Freedom of Information
City Chambers
George Square
Glasgow G2 1DU
Finding Information in Other Ways
Before making an FOI request, it’s important to note that the Council already places a large amount of information in public buildings such as libraries. In addition, a considerable amount of information about the Council’s services and activities, including our Publications Scheme and Publications List, is published on the Council website.
Internet facilities are provided at all Glasgow City Council Public Libraries and Real Learning Centres.
So, before using this form to request information, please first visit our website, or your local library, to find out whether the information you’re looking for is already available. You can search our website through the on-screen navigation headings, or by using the ‘Search’ or ‘A to Z ’ facilities.
Doing this could save you time because, if the information you require has already been made available to the public in these ways, the Council would normally refer you back to that source.
How your FOI request will be handled
Your request will be dealt with promptly and, usually, within 20 working days. There is no need to cite the Act or explain why information is being asked for. However, giving as much detail as you can may help us respond more fully to your request.
There’s no obligation for the Council to comply with an information request if:
- an exemption applies if the cost of doing so would exceed the amount set by the fees regulations if the information is not held by the Council.
In these instances, you will be notified why the Council cannot comply with your request.
What happens if information is not provided?
If you are dissatisfied with the way your request is dealt with, you can ask for a formal review by the Solicitor to the Council and, thereafter, appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner.
The Commissioner is a fully independent public official, with a range of powers under the Act to ensure compliance, and can be contacted at: Scottish Information Commissioner, Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9DS, Tel 01334 464610.