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 Culture and Sport Glasgow.
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. 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. For example:
- if giving the information would cause a breach of confidence to a third party
- if it divulged personal information on an individual
- if the information was commercially sensitive
Culture and Sport Glasgow can give advice on exemptions, which are detailed in the Act.
How much does it cost?
Scottish Goverment 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.
What is an FOI request?
Any individual or organisation can make a request for information Culture and Sport Glasgow 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:
Finding Information in Other Ways
Before making an FOI request, it’s important to note that the Company already places a large amount of information in public buildings such as libraries. In addition, a considerable amount of information about the Company's services and activities is published on the Company website.
Internet facilities are provided at all Culture and Sport Glasgow Public Libraries and Real Learning Centres.
So, before using this form to request information, please first visit the website - or your local library - to find out whether the information you are looking for is already available. You can search our website through the on-screen navigation headings, or by using the ‘Search' facility.
Doing this could save you time because, if the information you require has already been made available to the public in these ways, the Company 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 Culture and Sport Glasgow 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 Company
In these instances, you will be notified why the Company 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 Director of Strategic Planning and Corporate Services 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
Phone: 01334 464610