Glasgow Community and Safety Services – Corporate Information
Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act (FOI) came into effect on 1st January 2005, and aims to increase openness and accountability by ensuring people can access information held by Scottish public authorities – including Glasgow Community and Safety Services (GCSS).
People have the right to access all types of recorded information and, apart from certain specific exemptions, authorities and their staff must comply with these requests.
Every type of recorded information the company holds is covered by the Act, including:
- old records,
- archives,
- minutes and
- business papers.
FOI is retrospective, meaning people can ask for information relating to issues from years ago. Enquirers do not have to give a reason for asking for the information.
Public authorities must allow access to the following information:
- the provision, cost and standard of its service
- factual information on decision-making
- the reasons for decisions made
Are there any exceptions to providing information?
Yes. For example:
- if giving the information would cause a breach of confidence to a third party
- if it divulged personal information on an individual
- if the information was commercially sensitive
- GCSS can give advice on exemptions, which are detailed in the Act.
Publications Scheme
The Act also places an obligation on all Scottish public authorities to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme and, on 28th February 2008, GCSS submitted its own Publication Scheme to the Scottish Information Commissioner describing the classes of information which GCSS publishes, or intends to publish, how it does so, and any fees associated with these publications.
The scheme is available in portable document format. To view this document you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. This Reader can be freely downloaded from the Adobe website.
Environmental Information
New regulations have also came into effect for Environmental Information. Anyone requesting information under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. You may also use the Freedom of Information Service to make a request. These regulations are very similar to Freedom of Information, but apply specifically to information concerning the environment.
Making a Request
A considerable amount of information about GCSS’ services and activities (including our Publication Scheme) is published on this website. To find out whether the information you are looking for is already available on-line, please use the on-screen navigation headings.
If you are unable to find the information by these means, GCSS is happy to assist you through its Freedom of Information Service.
For information on how to use the service, and what it involves, see Making a Freedom of Information Request.
How much does it cost?
Scottish Government regulations govern the scale of fees which can be applied for providing information. Costs for providing published materials are set out in the GCSS’ Publication Scheme. GCSS has discretion in applying fees. You will be advised of any costs applicable and will be required to pay costs before the information is provided.
Please note that the Freedom of Information Service includes information requested under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
But please remember that, if the information you require has already been made available to the public in other ways, GCSS would normally refer you back to that source.
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