Scottish Government extends FOI coverage to certain companies set up by councils

Arm’s length bodies set up by local authorities to provide cultural, sports and leisure activities to the public in Scotland are to be made subject to freedom of information law, the Scottish Government has announced.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move, which is subject to consultation and requires secondary legislation, was the first step in a phased process that would see FOI coverage progressively increased to many bodies created by local authorities.

Sturgeon added that the new legislation would also pave the way for making more information available to the public earlier.

The minister said: "It is important that bodies which spend taxpayers' money are subject to scrutiny, including through freedom of information legislation. That is why this Government is committed to extending coverage where it is appropriate to do so, subject to consultation.

"The fact that we are moving to extend the scope of coverage to more organisations reflects our commitment to continuously improving Scotland's transparency.”