The Freedom of Information Act gives everyone the statutory right to ask for information held by a Scottish public authority. The Act can also be extended to organisations which undertake functions ‘of a public nature’.

The Scottish Government considers that the provision of social housing is such a function. Extending FOI legislation to RSLs will therefore provide a statutory right to request information from RSLs – in the same way as other bodies (including local authorities) are already required to respond to information requests.

The sector is strongly encouraged to respond to this consultation.