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Freedom of Information.

What’s it all about?

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.

    Business and trade.
    Business and trade.
    Information on services we provide which are relevant to new or existing businesses in the area, such as business rates, commercial waste services and procurement.

    Community Life and Leisure.
    Community Life and Leisure.
    Information and advice on community life and leisure, for example leisure services and activities, education services and learning opportunities, and advice and information on looking after our countryside and wildlife.

    Council and Government.
    Council and Government.
    Information about councillors and Council committees, reports on how the Council is performing, services such as our emergency or registration services, and information on our partnership working with other organisations.

    Education and learning.
    Education and learning.
    Information on education services for children, young people and adults, as well as our library, museum and archive services.

    Housing.
    Housing.
    Freedom of Information articles relating to Housing

    Jobs and Careers.
    Jobs and Careers.
    Information on career opportunities and job vacancies in the Council.

    Law and Licensing.
    Law and Licensing.
    Information on our registration service, as well as advice for consumers and businesses on trading standards and licensing.

    Planning and the environment.
    Planning and the environment.
    Information on Council services that are working to look after our living environment, including planning services in relation to buildings, roads and open spaces.

    Services, Structure and Accountability.
    Services, Structure and Accountability.
    Information about the structure and strategy of the Council, the range of services we provide affecting residents, visitors and businesses, the cost and standards of those services, our decisions and how we make them.

    Social Care and Health.
    Social Care and Health.
    Details of the social care services we provide, as well as information on health matters, for example child care, fostering and adoption and mental health services.

    Tourism and Visitor Attractions.
    Tourism and Visitor Attractions.
    Information which the Council holds on where to stay and what to do in the area, including details of festivals and parks.

    Transport and Streets.
    Transport and Streets.
    Information on getting around and about in the authority, including information on public transport services, parking and car parks, and advice on road safety.

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    Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT
    Telephone: 01546 602127 Email: enquiries@argyll-bute.gov.uk
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