The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, 2002 in section 1, gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by Scottish Public Authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on Public Authorities. From January 1st 2005 any person who makes a request to a Public Authority for information must be informed whether the Public Authority holds that information and, subject to certain exemptions, be supplied with that information. Section 1 came into force on 1st January 2005.
Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves, under the Data Protection Act, 1998. As far as Public Authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act greatly extends this right from January 1st 2005.
In addition to the general right of access in section1, public authorities are required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it publishes, or intends to publish, the manner in which it intends to publish the information and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a Scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness. Assessors and Valuation Joint Boards were each required to have an approved Publication Scheme in place by the end of June 2004.
Copies of the Schemes are available at the local offices, libraries within the local area or by linking to the website:-
Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer
235 Dumbarton Road
Clydebank
G81 4XJ
And
Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer
Kilbrannan House
Bolgam Street
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6HZ
The Act will be enforced by the Scottish Information Commissioner. Contact details provided below:-
Kevin Dunion, OBE,
Scottish Information Commissioner,
Kinburn Castle,
Doubledykes Road,
St. Andrews.
Fife. KY16 9DS
Telephone Number: 01334 464610
enquiries@itspublicknowledge.info
Scottish Information Commissioners Website
