Freedom of Information.
What’s it all about?
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came fully into force on 1 January 2005. The Act simplified and expanded the right of any person to access information about any aspect of council business.
Argyll and Bute Council had already adopted corporate values of openness and accountability, but FOI gives us a clear steer on how to extend the information available to the public. We follow a clear process and gain clearance from the Scottish Information Commissioner on how we go about doing this.
In June 2004 the Commissioner approved a paper version of this council’s Publication Scheme. The scheme is a “map” of the types of information we hold and which we undertake to publish. It aims to encourage a culture of openness and transparency by making available information about the council’s decision-making processes, structures and services. This formed the basis of what you see here on the council’s website.
This web based version of the scheme will be continually updated to provide the most current information
From 1 January 2005, subject to certain exemptions, anyone who asks will be entitled to information from the council. Even where information is not immediately available through the Publication Scheme; it will be made available on request.
Using the Scheme
The Publication Scheme is searchable in several different ways. You can access information using the keyword search function on the purple bar at the top of the page, alternatively, you can use the A-Z index, or the “tree structure” on the left hand side of the page. If you feel that information is missing or incomplete, please inform either the departmental contact (as listed in the scheme) or email :
foi@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Existing Rights of Access to Information held by the Council
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, individuals already have access rights to personal information held about them. Other legislation, including the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1985, and the Access to Environmental Information Regulations 2004 also allows the access to certain types of information created or held by the council. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 will extend these rights.
For further information, please contact Stephen Doogan on 01546 604342.
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.
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.
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.
Information on education services for children, young people and adults, as well as our library, museum and archive services.
Freedom of Information articles relating to Housing
Information on career opportunities and job vacancies in the Council.
Information on our registration service, as well as advice for consumers and businesses on trading standards and licensing.
Information on Council services that are working to look after our living environment, including planning services in relation to buildings, roads and open spaces.
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.
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.
Information which the Council holds on where to stay and what to do in the area, including details of festivals and parks.
Information on getting around and about in the authority, including information on public transport services, parking and car parks, and advice on road safety.
Telephone: 01546 602127
Argyll and Bute Council is not responsible for the content of external websites
