Freedom of Information - Introduction

Background

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 ("the Act") and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 ("the Regulations") provide a general statutory right of access to information held by or on behalf of public authorities (including Regional Transport Partnerships). Any person who makes a request to SPT for information is entitled to receive that information, subject to certain limited conditions and exemptions.

The Partnership's Freedom of Information policy affirms SPT's commitment to the principles underlying the Act and Regulations and undertakes that SPT will conduct its business in accordance with the Codes of Practice published by the Scottish Ministers under the Act. The policy applies to all employees and members of the Partnership and provides that the Partnership Secretary is responsible for ensuring compliance.

Publication Scheme

In the spirit of openness, Section 23 of the Act requires public authorities to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme.

The SPT Publication Scheme is intended to be as inclusive as possible, improving public access to information and increasing public involvement. The purpose of this scheme is to make information available so that it can be accessed without having to make an individual request. The scheme details:

the classes of information that SPT publishes or intends to publish;
how information is published;
whether the information is available free of charge or requires payment of a fee.

If you wish to access information not included in the Publication Scheme and you wish to submit a Freedom of Information request, the request must be in writing or in some other permanent recordable form such as an e-mail or audio tape. The request should:

describe the information requested;
state the applicant's name and an address for correspondence;
preferably provide a contact number (in case we need to contact you to clarify the information requested); and
state the format in which you would wish to receive information.

The request should be submitted by post to:

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Legal Services
Consort House
12 West George Street
Glasgow G2 1 HN

or by e-mail to foi@spt.co.uk

Anyone wishing to request information under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 should also submit their request to the above postal or e-mail address, or telephone 0141 333 3575.