Introduction to class
The Scottish Government regularly carries out consultation exercises in order to obtain the views of the public on proposed areas of Government work. Given the wide-ranging areas of work of the Scottish Government, there are many varied types of consultation.
The views provided are analysed and used to inform the decision-making process. For example, depending on the nature of the consultation exercise, the responses received may:
- Indicate the need for further policy development or review;
- Inform the development of a particular policy;
- Help decisions to be made between alternative policy proposals; or
- Be used to finalise legislation before it is implemented.
Information available
- All consultation papers (both open and closed) that are listed on the Scottish Government website, including contact details of the issuing Directorate. Consultation documents no longer listed on the website are not available under this scheme.
- Responses and summaries of responses to consultations except those where publication would be unlawful (e.g. where to publish would amount to a breach of confidence).
- Any reports produced as a result of the consultation exercise which are published online.
- A list of forthcoming consultations.
Charges
All consultations are available to download free from the Scottish Government website. Charges may be made for making information in this class available in hard copy (printed) format.
In the majority of cases, responses received to consultation exercises will be available for inspection at the Scottish Government library at Saughton House, Edinburgh. Enquiries regarding viewing should be directed to library@scotland.gsi.gov.uk telephone: 0131 244 4556.
Charges as specified in our general charging policy will be made to cover the costs of copying any responses.
Where the information within this class can be located
This class of information can be located within the ' Consultations' section of the Scottish Government website or through one of the alternative routes described under section 5 of this scheme. In the case of older consultation responses and summaries of responses, these may only be available for inspection at the Scottish Government library - see 'charges' above.
Guidance
Consultation Good Practice Guidance