Freedom of information agenda for Holyrood launched

The six actions are the result of CFoIS work and campaigning over the last decade.

1. Support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill when it
   begins the stage two process at the Scottish Parliament from May 2026 and ensure it becomes law at the earliest opportunity.
2. Following the public consultation exercises in 2019 and 2025, equalise designation of public bodies under FOI law which deliver care homes and care at home services.
3. Agree a proportionate uplift in budget for the Scottish Information Commissioner, who is appointed by the Parliament, to accommodate the increasing need for their investigative, mediation, adjudication and enforcement functions.
4. Commit to supporting and passing Anti-SLAPP legislation early in the new session of the Parliament. 
5. Work with the UK government to sign and ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on Access to Official Documents, known as the Tromsø Convention.
6. Support mainstreaming a “duty of candour” in devolved matters across government and Scotland’s 10,000 public bodies. 

Carole Ewart, director of CFoI, said: “The Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland believes that the pillars of transparency and accountability need to be robust in a modern democracy to enable informed scrutiny so our Manifesto of six actions provides a non party political roadmap for delivery.

“We invite all candidates to support our six asks ranging from supporting the FoI Reform Bill when it returns at stage two in the new session of Parliament to extending FoI law to all providers of care and care at home services.

“CFoIS looks forward to working with a new Scottish government and all MSPs to get the legislative job done and to mainstream transparency by design across public services.”