Proposed changes to FOI Bill set to be scrutinised at Holyrood

Proposed changes to the public’s right to information and transparency among public authorities are set to be scrutinised in Holyrood.

The Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee has launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill would look to update the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by making the public’s right to information explicit.

Under new proposals, the only information that would not be disclosed would be if it was classified as absolute exemption.

The proposals would also bring more bodies under freedom of information rules, such as third sector organisations and housing associations.

Martin Whitfield MSP, convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, said: “With the original Act now 20 years old, it’s timely to look at how the law might be updated.

“Any new legislation must be clearly defined and workable. The committee is keen to hear views on the Bill’s proposals, and whether its aims to increase transparency, extend coverage and strengthen existing processes are likely to achieve their intended impact.”

The call for views is open and will close to responses on September 22 2025. The Committee plans to hold evidence sessions with stakeholders in November.

The Bill would give the Scottish Information Commissioner stronger enforcement powers and it would remove the First Minister’s power to override the commissioner’s decisions.

It would also allow the commissioner to refer cases of failure to comply with the timescales directly to the Court of Session.

The convener added: “If you are a user of the Freedom of Information Act, subject to its rules (or who may be, following the Bill), involved in interpreting requests or have an academic or public interest in the system, please do share your views on this Bill.”