Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:16, 13 July 2008

This Act covers Scottish public authorities. Also known as FOISA.

The law differs slightly from the UK FOI Act. Main differences:

Scottish test for public interest is stated in terms of "substantial prejudice" rather than "prejudice" making it stronger
FOISA imposes a stricter time limit in cases where public interest has to be considered.
FOISA contains explicit mention of disability access rights
FOISA lists the duties incumbent on a body which does not have the information requested
FOISA provides for an objective test (rather than "the reasonable opinion of a qualified person") to determine if the public interest means information should be withheld.

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 == Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 ==
-This Act covers Scottish public authorities.  Also known as FOISA
+This Act covers Scottish public authorities.  Also known as FOISA.
+The law differs slightly from the UK FOI Act. Main differences:
+* Scottish test for public interest is stated in terms of "substantial prejudice" rather than "prejudice" making it stronger
+* FOISA imposes a stricter time limit in cases where public interest has to be considered.
+* FOISA contains explicit mention of disability access rights
+* FOISA lists the duties incumbent on a body which does not have the information requested
+* FOISA provides for an objective test (rather than "the reasonable opinion of a qualified person") to determine if the public interest means information should be withheld.
+== Links ==
 * Official legislation text: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2002/plain/asp_20020013_en