Holyrood are set to scrutinise proposed rule changes. 

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

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

The Bill would update the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by making the public’s right to information explicit (unless it does not have to be disclosed under any circumstances, known as an absolute exemption).

It would establish a new duty for public authorities to publish information proactively, and 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."

In a move to improve the effectiveness of existing legislation, the Bill would give the Scottish Information Commissioner stronger enforcement powers. It would remove the First Minister’s power to override the Commissioner’s decisions and allow the Commissioner to refer cases of failure to comply with the timescales directly to the Court of Session. 

The Bill would also mandate the appointment of freedom of information officers, to improve compliance. 

The Committee now wants to hear from all those who use the Act, public bodies, and bodies providing public services that may become subject to freedom of information rules under the Bill. 

The range of organisations with an interest in this Bill is wide and is also likely to include academics and think tanks involved in representative democracy, legal bodies, information governance professionals and others who are involved in interpreting and applying freedom of information legislation. 

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.” 

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