The Scottish Government has revealed that it will issue its formal response to the consultation regarding potential extension of Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in the Autumn.

Responding to a request from the local government and communities committee for an update and indicative timeline of the government’s plans, minister for parliamentary business, Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, said the Scottish Government will undertake further stakeholder engagement before issuing its formal response to the consultation.

In a letter to committee convenor Bob Doris, Mr Fitzpatrick wrote: “Consultation responses raised a number of complex issues around the functions of RSLs, the scope and timing of an order, as well as the administrative and financial implications of extending coverage on RSLs – and potentially their tenants.

“I anticipate publishing an interim report later in the spring containing a summary of the key responses and highlighting the central issues highlighted in the consultation. Given the issues raised, I consider it necessary to undertake further analysis and stakeholder engagement before formally responding to the consultation.”

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Mr Fitzpatrick added: “Following further engagement and consideration of the key issues, I anticipate a formal consultation response in the autumn, then I will be able to provide the committee with indicative timelines and how we intend to proceed.”

All responses to the consultation regarding the potential extension of FOISA to RSLs are available on the Scottish Government website.