Freedom of Information.

The paper version of the Publication Scheme can be downloaded for printing, or you can access an online version.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) provides individuals with a right of access to all recorded information held by Scotland’s public authorities. Anyone can use this right, and information can only be withheld where FOISA expressly permits it.

Section 23 of FOISA also requires that all Scottish public authorities maintain a publication scheme. A publication scheme sets out the types of information that a public authority routinely makes available. Publication schemes are high level, strategic documents in which a public authority commits to making published information reasonably available to the general public. This ensures that published information held by authorities is open, accountable and transparent at all times.

This scheme has been approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner, who is responsible for enforcing FOISA. Argyll and Bute Council are obliged to review the scheme from time to time.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide you with details of the range of information that we routinely publish. The scheme also provides details of how you can access this information, and tells you whether it is available free, or if there is a charge for the information.

In adopting (or reviewing) our publication scheme, we are required to have regard to the public interest in allowing public access to the information we hold on:

the services we provide, the costs of those services and the standards attained by those services;

the facts or analyses which form the basis of the decisions we make; and

the publication of the reasons for the decisions we make.

In preparing to meet our obligations under FOISA, including drawing up this publication scheme, we have been mindful of the value of openness and transparency.

Alongside FOISA, the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (the EIRs) provide a separate right of access to environmental information that we hold. This publication scheme also contains details of the environmental information that we routinely make available.

Where information is not published under this scheme, you can request it from us under FOISA or, in the case of environmental information, the EIRs. For further information on accessing information not covered by this scheme, refer to Section 11 – How to access information not available under the scheme.

For further information, please contact Stephen Doogan on 01546 604342.