Access to Information
Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 was introduced to give people access to information held by Scottish public authorities. The Act aims to increase openness and accountability in the public sector and, subject to certain conditions and exemptions, any person who makes a request to a public authority for information which is held, will be entitled to receive it.
Under the Act, Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service (HIFRS) is required to produce a Publication Scheme, which sets out:
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The classes of information we will publish
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The manner in which the information will be published
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Whether the information is free of charge or if payment is required
HIFRS Publication Scheme is available to view.
HIFRS will respond to any request for information within 20 working days from receipt. There may be some exemptions to providing the information and if this is the case we will inform you of this as well as reasons for applying the exemption.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from us, you may request a review. Details of how to do this will be provided with the response. If you are still dissatisfied following our review you may appeal to the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Requests for information can be made via foi@hifrs.org
More information about the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, your rights under the Act and the obligations placed on Scottish Public Authorities can be found on the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner's website at www.itspublicknowldge.info