The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions to that right and places a number of related obligations on public authorities, particularly in relation to Records Management and Publication Schemes.

 

From January 2005, any person who makes a request for information must be informed whether or not the public authority holds that information and, subject to various statutory exemptions, be supplied with that information.

 

Requests for information can be submitted to

 

The Chief Officer
Northern Community Justice Authority

The Annexe
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GJ

 

The Northern Community Justice Authority is committed to delivering an open and transparent service whenever possible and it is our intention to include within our Publication Scheme information which we believe would be of interest to the public.

 

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 allows the public access to all types of information subject to various statuary exemptions, from 1 January 2005. Further details about this type of request will be published under the Obtaining Information link before the end of 2004.

 

Public authorities are also required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out the classes of information available and the manner in which they intend to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a Publication Scheme is to ensure information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness.

 

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 will be enforced by the Scottish Information Commissioner. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 in England and Wales is a separate piece of legislation enforced by the Office of the Information Commissioner. He also has responsibility for the Data Protection Act 1998 across the United Kingdom.

 

Enquirers should note the Scottish Information Commissioner's remit is limited to Scottish public authorities as defined by Section 3 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Enquiries relating to bodies covered by the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and enquiries under the Data Protection Act 1998, should be directed to the Information Commissioner.

 

Contact Details:

 

The Office of The Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
FIFEKY16 9DS
Tel: 01334 464610
www.itspublicknowledge.info

 

The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Wilmslow
CHESHIRE
SK9 5A F
Tel: 01625 545700
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/