The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 ('FOISA') enables the public to access information which is held by Scottish public authorities. Generally speaking, the information requested must be provided unless it falls under one or more of 17 exemptions which are set out in FOISA.
This consultation seeks views on whether the lifespan of certain 'exemptions' in FOISA should be reduced from 30 years to 15 years. This would allow information to be available at an earlier date.
The consultation responses will inform Scottish Ministers' thinking on the principle and term of any reduction in the lifespan of exemptions. As indicated in this paper, although Scottish Ministers' preliminary view is that a 15 year lifespan may be appropriate, we welcome views on the practical implications of this. In particular whether reduction to another period is appropriate, and if so the reasons for this.
The closing date for responses was 30 September 2009. All responses will now be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us reach a decision on whether the lifespan of certain exemptions in FOISA should be reduced. We aim to issue our conclusions on whether to amend FOISA by December 2009. For further information contact Katherine Byrne on 0131 244 5189.