Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

Information requested

1. The number of FOIs dealt with by the Scottish Government in a) 2025 b) 2024 c) 2023 d) 2022.

2. The number of FOIs not responded to within the 28 day time frame in a) 2025 b) 2024 c) 2023 d) 2022.

3. The number of FOIs not responded to within 20 days of receiving confirmation following a clarification request a) 2025 b) 2024 c) 2023 d) 2022.

4. The number of FOIs responded to within 28 days a) 2025 b) 2024 c) 2023 d) 2022.

Response

Question 1:

For this request, I have interpreted the scope to include all FOI and EIR requests and reviews.

a) 2025 - 7135
b) 2024 - 6089
c) 2023 - 5733
d) 2022 - 5232

Question 2

For this request, I have interpreted the scope to include all FOI and EIR requests and reviews that were answered late. Under the legislation, the statutory deadline is 20 working days, not 28. The figures below represent cases that exceeded 20 working days.Please note: under EIR legislation, “voluminous and complex” requests may be extended by up to an additional 20 working days. The figures include EIR cases that were classed as late.

a) 2025 - 384
b) 2024 - 270
c) 2023 - 730
d) 2022 - 949

Question 3

For this request I have interpreted this to be for all FOI requests that were answered late. EIR requests do not have the ability to seek clarification and reset the deadline clock.

a) 2025 - 17
b) 2024 - 13
c) 2023 - 29
d) 2022 - 45

Question 4

For this request, I have interpreted the scope to include all FOI and EIR requests and reviews answered within the 20 working day statutory timeframe.

a) 2025 - 6751
b) 2024 - 5819
c) 2023 - 5003
d) 2022 - 4283

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.