Scottish Executive supports freedom of information in Scotland

Scottish Executive supports freedom of information in Scotland

Scottish Minister for Parliamentary Business, Margaret Curran, claims that the Scottish Executive is committed to open and transparent government: "It fits with our aim of delivering public services built around the needs of the people who use them. The legislation will deliver genuine benefits to the people of Scotland. It will give people the opportunity to find out more about their local school, hospital or council or, indeed, any of the estimated 10,000 or so public bodies in Scotland covered by the legislation."

The Scottish FOI Act applies to the Scottish Executive and its agencies, local authorities, NHS Scotland, schools, colleges and universities, the police and the Scottish Parliament. Other bodies can be added to the list at any time in the future by the Scottish Ministers.

Act brings freedom of information (BBC website, 1 January 2005)