SPT Publication Scheme
1. Introduction
Under Section 23 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
The aim of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (which is referred to as the Act throughout the remainder of this document) is to allow the public greater access to information held by public authorities in Scotland. The Act contains a detailed list of the public authorities covered but the following are some of the Public Authorities who are obliged to comply with the Act:
- The Scottish Executive and its agencies;
- Local Authorities;
- National Heath Service including health boards and trusts;
- Schools, Colleges and Universities;
- The Scottish Parliament;
- The Police; and
- Regional Transport Partnerships.
Other bodies can be added by the Scottish Ministers.
The Act requires public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme and to respond to requests from individuals for information under the Act.
The first duty is intended to ensure that public authorities should be clear and proactive about the information they will make public and in many cases already do make public.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is committed to the principles of openness and transparency in the conduct of its business. It is intended that this scheme which has been prepared under section 23 of the Act will increase the awareness of the Partnership’s business and day to day decision making processes.
Information on other aspects of the Act can be found in section 7. Further details concerning the Act can be obtained from the office of the Scottish Information Commissioner. Contact details for the Commissioner are contained in section 14.