The Purpose Of The Publication Scheme

This Publication Scheme is a guide to the information which the Comhairle routinely publishes. The term "publication" is not limited to information contained in printed or hard copy form, and many different forms of information, for example, information provided or available electronically, are as much part of the Publication Scheme as a book or a leaflet.

The purpose of this Publication Scheme is to ensure that a significant amount of information is available without the need for a member of the public to make a specific request. The Comhairle intends that its Scheme will encourage the publication of more information than it is required to publish under existing legislation, and will enhance further the Comhairle's culture of openness in decision making.

The Publication Scheme was prepared by officials of the Corporate Services Department, who audited information held throughout the Comhairle, most of which is already published. In the period between the submission of the Scheme to the Scottish Information Commissioner, and 1 June 2004, the Comhairle will consult as widely as possible on the terms and ambit of the Scheme, in order to see if improvements can be made before the Scheme is formally adopted by the Comhairle.

The Publication Scheme is intended to make it as easy as possible for a member of the public seeking information to obtain access to it. The Scheme is divided into general categories, designed in such a way that a member of the public does not need to know the details of the Council's organisation and structures in order to be directed to the appropriate source of information.