Freedom of Information

Home > Services > Council and Government > Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force on 1 January 2005. For the first time, the people of Scotland have a right by law to access information produced by public authorities. The aim of the Act is to increase openness and transparency and to make public bodies more accountable. People are now able to see and question how we function and how our decisions are made.

We have a 'publication scheme' in place. This document sets out all the types of information that we already make available to the public. It is available on this website (see the link below) and gives details of:

• the information available to you
• the format it's available in
• who to contact to get it
• any fees involved.

There are over 100 classes of information that we already make available in this way so it is always worth checking the publication scheme before you make an enquiry. Enquiries concerning this information are not dealt in terms of the 2002 Act. 'Environmental information' is a special category: read more about it using the related content link on the right hand side of this page.

Our publication scheme is in two parts: an introduction and a list of classes. You can download these documents below. They are also available for inspection at libraries and at the main reception point at our Headquarters in Cotton Street, Paisley.

Introduction (pdf - 82KB)
List of classes (pdf - 55KB)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Download Acrobat Reader here.

Requests for information must be made in writing or in another permanent form such as email, video or audio tape. Requests must give a return address for correspondence to be sent to in hard copy or electronic form. When you make a request, please be as specific as you can about the information you want and give us as much information as you can to help us find what you are looking for. If you need the information in a special format such as large print or a language other than English, please let us know in your application. Please also note that if you need information that relates to you as an individual, you should make your request under the Data Protection Act. Please use the link on the left hand menu for more information on data protection.

We aim to deal with all requests within 20 working days. We may also ask you for more details to further identify the information you have asked for. There are some occasions on which information will not be supplied to you, in which case we will tell you why. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which your request is dealt with, you can ask us for a formal review of our decision. You can refer any complaint about the way in which your enquiry is dealt with to the Scottish Information Commissioner for a case review.

Contact us
If you have any comments or enquiries; or wish to make a request:

• phone: 0141 840 3703
• email: cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• write to:
  The Archivist,
  Floor 1,
  Renfrewshire House,
  Cotton Street,
  Paisley,
  PA1 1TR

You can also download this questions and answers brochure:

Freedom of Information and You (pdf - 36KB)