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How do I check what is published?

How do I check what is published?

Public authorities are also required to publish information.

This means that they must make information available publicly, so people don't have to ask for it. This is often referred to as the "publication scheme" duty.

Under this duty, all Scottish public authorities must produce a Guide to Information which shows:

  • The information the authority already makes available, or intends to make available
  • Where you can find that information
  • Whether it is available free of charge or for a fee

Guide to Information

The Guide to Information should tell you how to access a range of information, including:

  • The authority's annual budget
  • Minutes of management or board meetings showing the decisions it has taken
  • Details of the services the authority provides
  • Information about how the authority is performing
  • The authority's policies and procedures

Other information will also be included. For example, a council will publish information about its education, housing, planning and social services. You should be able to find out what services are available, whether you will be charged for using them and how well they are delivered.

A Guide to Information will also include contact details of staff who can help you access information from the authority. If you're not sure where information is published, you can ask these staff for help.

The Guide to Information will be on the authority's website and should provide links to the information so you can view and download it. If you would prefer to receive printed copies of information, the authority must send it to you on request.

The Guide to Information will contain details of any charges that may apply. If you are not sure if the information you want is included in the Guide to Information, you can ask for help.

If the information you're looking for isn't in the Guide to Information, you can still ask for it to be provided.

Animated guide - The duty to publish

Our publication scheme

The Scottish Information Commissioner is a Scottish public authority with its own publication scheme. You can view the scheme online via the link below, or alternatively call 01334 464610 or email enquiries@itspublicknowledge.info to request a printed copy.

Your Right to Know (BSL) - What are publication schemes?