The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act

 

The Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) 2002 (FOI) enables any person to obtain information from Scottish public authorities. The Act applies to all Scottish public authorities including: Scottish Executive and its agencies; Scottish Parliament; Local Authorities; NHS Scotland; Universities and further education colleges, the Police and this Company.

Public authorities have to allow access to the following information:

This legal right of access includes all types of ‘recorded’ information of any date held by Scottish public authorities. From 1st January 2005 any person who makes a request for information must be provided with it, subject to certain conditions.

 The Act also places an obligation on all Scottish public authorities to adopt and maintain a 'Publication Scheme' and, on 20^th June 2005, the Company submitted its own Publication Scheme to the Scottish Information Commissioner describing the classes of information which the Company publishes or intends to publish, how it does so, and any fees associated with these publications. The Scheme was approved by the Commissioner on 3rd August 2005, since which time the Company has been obliged to publish information in accordance with the scheme.

 

In terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, all Scottish public authorities (including Glasgow City Marketing Bureau) must prepare and maintain a "publication scheme."

Publication schemes have to specify the classes of information which each authority publishes or intends to publish, specify how it publishes the information (or how it intends to do so), and indicate whether information is provided free or for a charge. All publication schemes require to be approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner, an independent official responsible for overseeing the operation of freedom of information in Scotland.

To see the approved Publication Scheme for Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, click on the appropriate link, all files can be viewed in Rich Text Format or in PDF format

 

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act (FOI) took effect on 1 January 2005, and aims to increase openness and accountability by ensuring people can access information held by Scottish public authorities - including, Glasgow City   Marketing Bureau

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 Company holds is covered by the Act, including old records, archives, minutes and business papers. 

 

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 Company 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 Company’s Publication Scheme .

The Company 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.

 

Any individual or organisation can make a request for information the Company 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.

 

 

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau
Freedom of Information
11 George Square
Glasgow G2 1DY

 

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 Company 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 or if the information is not held by the Company.

In these instances, you will be notified why the Company cannot comply with your request.

 

If you are dissatisfied with the way your request is dealt with, you can ask for a formal review by the Chief Executive 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.