Browse our publication scheme

WDC Publication Scheme

Guide to Information

Introduction to Scheme

Section 23 of Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires that all Scottish public authorities maintain a publication scheme.  A publication scheme sets out the types of information that a public authority routinely makes available.

The Freedom of Information ( Scotland ) Act 2002 (FOISA) provides individuals with a right of access to all recorded information held by Scotland 's public authorities. Anyone can use this right, and information can only be withheld where FOISA expressly permits it.

Section 23 of FOISA also requires that all Scottish public authorities maintain a publication scheme.  A publication scheme sets out the types of information that a public authority routinely makes available.   Publication schemes are high level, strategic documents in which a public authority commits to making published information reasonably available to the general public.  This ensures that published information held by authorities is open, accountable and transparent at all times.

This scheme has been approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner, who is responsible for enforcing FOISA.  West Dunbartonshire Council are obliged to review the scheme from time to time.  

The purpose of the scheme is to provide you with details of the range of information that we routinely publish.  The scheme also provides details of how you can access this information, and tells you whether it is available free, or if there is a charge for the information.

In adopting (or reviewing) our publication scheme, we are required to have regard to the public interest in allowing public access to the information we hold on:

  • The services we provide, the costs of those services and the standards attained by those services
  • The facts or analyses which form the basis of the decisions we make
  • The publication of the reasons for the decisions we make.