What can I ask for?
Q. What can I ask for?
A. You can ask for any kind of recorded information held by a Scottish public authority.
This includes information that is recorded on:
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paper
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computer files (including e-mail)
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video
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microfiche
You can only ask for information which is recorded. For example, you cannot ask for someone’s opinion that has not been put on record.
Below are some examples of information that you could ask for.
Do you want to know…?
- Why decisions affecting local services were made?
For example, why decisions were made to cut back some services at your local hospital, or to combine local primary schools? - How public authorities decide who gets priority on waiting lists for services such as health or housing?
- What Scottish public authority services are provided under contract?
For example, the charges and conditions of a traffic warden service. - About studies carried out or considered before decisions are taken, e.g., on the safety of vaccines or medicines.
You can ask the authority to explain what relevant information it holds to help you frame your request.