The Scottish Authorities has been accused of displaying “contempt for transparency” over its Freedom of Data (FOI) responses.
Guidelines for the FOI course of imply solutions are anticipated to be issued inside 20 working days – however Scottish Labour has stated one in seven responses from the Authorities are in breach of this.
Figures launched by the get together present that since June 2021, 666 responses from the Scottish Authorities to FOI requests had been issued late.
One response throughout this era was issued after 269 days – almost 9 months later.
It comes after the Scottish Authorities stated it'll enhance its FOI request efficiency over the subsequent yr, in response to the highlighting of “systemic” considerations by the Data Commissioner.
The commissioner, Daren Fitzhenry, launched a report again in Might which stated there have been important failures in report retaining, along with delays and bottlenecks.
As a part of its enchancment plan, the Authorities has set a goal of bettering FOI response charges to 90% this yr.
Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant stated: “Freedom of Data is likely one of the solely methods we are able to shine a light-weight on the dodgy dealings of this secretive SNP Authorities, however they're using roughshod over each the spirit and the letter of those legal guidelines.
“This shoddy efficiency betrays a blatant and routine disregard for these legally binding timescales.
“The SNP’s contempt for transparency is fuelling a rising tradition of secrecy throughout Authorities.
“We want a complete overhaul of tradition and procedures to revive openness and accountability to the Scottish Authorities.”
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