The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, 2002 requires a Publication Scheme to specify the classes of information the Public Authority already publishes or intends to publish. Our intention is to publish as much information as possible on subjects where there is known to be public interest. However, exemptions under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, 2002 may allow us to withhold some information.
As we are part of a tax raising service, it must be recognised that, in the public interest, certain information should not be disclosed.
Information concerning items of a confidential nature with respect to business that has been gathered by Assessors as part of their Statutory duties may not be made available.
In this respect Assessors will, when appropriate, apply reasonable consideration of the exemptions afforded under the Freedom of Information Act, 2002 particularly Sections 33, 35, 36 and 38.
e.g. Information, which if disclosed,
1) would be likely to prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person,
2) would prejudice substantially the assessment of any tax,
3) would constitute a breach of confidence actionable by any person, or
if personal data contravenes any of the Data Protection principles.
Assessors aim to be as open as possible. However, information may be withheld, from any of the classes of information listed below, where we consider that disclosure may seriously prejudice legal proceedings or where the law otherwise prohibits the disclosure. Information that may seriously prejudice the commercial interests of any person or organisation and personal information under the Data Protection Act, 1998 may also be withheld. Information may be withheld if its disclosure would constitute a breach of confidence actionable by the person who supplied it or by any other person.
In these cases, we will withhold the information and indicate why the information is being withheld. Please see the Feedback section on what to do if you do not agree with our decision to withhold information.
Assessors publish, or intend to publish, information under the Classes listed below:-
a) Who's Who and Where
b) Valuation Joint Board Minutes of Meetings*
c) Annual Accounts*
d) Electoral Register (Edited)
e) How Are We Doing?
* May be exemptions in this Class
a) Who's Who and Where
Class Definition: "Details of the (Or member of the Board) organisational structures and key personnel. This will include, as a minimum, the senior management team".
Availability: Website, post, inspection.
Cost: Free
b) Board Minutes of Meetings
Class Definition: "In recognition of the need to have regard to the public interest in allowing access to public information held and in the publication of reasons for decisions made, the Minutes of formal Board level Meetings, concerning the work of the Assessor, are published. They contain discussion of key strategic issues under consideration and the primary decisions relating to resource and budgetary matters. The annual accounts are listed as a separate class.
Details of Policies, Guidelines, Standing Orders, Schemes of Delegation can also be found within this Class."
Availability: From 2000 - website, post, inspection. Pre-2000 by post, inspection only
Cost: Free
c) Annual Accounts
Class Definition: "Within this category details of the Accounts in relation to the Assessor's function can be found. This will also include that of the Electoral Registration Officer."
Availability: Post, inspection
Cost: Free
d) Electoral Register (Edited)
Class Definition: "Edited version of the Register of Electors. This version does not include the names of those electors whose names appear in the Full version of the Register but who have taken advantage of the Representation of the People Legislation and chosen to have their names excluded from the Edited version of the Register, which can be sold to anyone."
Availability: Inspection, post.
Cost:
Per Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001
If in Data Format £20 plus £1.50/thousand entries (or part)
Or if Printed £10 plus £5.00/thousand entries (or part)
e) How Are We Doing?
Class Definition: "A copy of the most recent Public Performance Report revealing our performance objectives/targets and Best Value Indicators which are produced on an annual basis." Copies of our regular customer consultation/surveys are also available
Availability: Website, post, inspection, publication (newsletters and circulars etc)
Cost: Free
