Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) provides individuals with a right to request any recorded information held by Scotland’s public authorities. Anyone can use this right, and information can only be withheld where FOISA expressly permits it.

Section 23 of FOISA also requires that all Scottish public authorities maintain a publication scheme. A publication scheme sets out the types of information that a public authority routinely makes available.

The Assessor & Electoral Registration Officer for Scottish Borders has adopted the Model Publication Scheme 2013 developed and approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner. The Commissioner is responsible for enforcing FOISA.

The Model Publication Scheme requires that authorities produce and publish a Guide to Information that they make available in accordance with the scheme.

The Commissioner’s Model Publication Scheme together with our Guide to Information, Charging Schedule and Freedom of Information Policy can be viewed below.