DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer:
Councils must respond to requests for information in a timely, transparent, and lawful manner, providing access to recorded information unless an exemption applies. For environmental information—such as data on air quality, waste, or climate impacts—additional rules ensure proactive disclosure and public accessibility. Compliance requires clear procedures, staff training, and systems to track and manage requests, supporting openness, accountability, and public trust.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Corporate services
Duty type
Compliance
Social determinant of health
Social and community context
Emerging policy and legislation
0
Bodies with shared interest
Scottish Information Commissioner
Audit Scotland
Environmental Standards Scotland
Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR)
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
Standards and frameworks
2