East Dunbartonshire Council (Wildlife survey report) [2025] ScotIC 158_2025 (25 June 2025)

East Dunbartonshire Council (Wildlife survey report) [2025] ScotIC 158_2025 (25 June 2025)

The Commissioner found that while some information could be withheld to protect sensitive environmental data, the majority of the report should be disclosed as the public interest in transparency outweighed the potential harm.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2025] ScotIC 158_2025
Parties
Respondent: East Dunbartonshire Council
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
25 June 2025
Procedural Posture
Scottish Information Commissioner Decision / Final Decision
Outcome
partially upheld
Legal Topics
Environmental Information, Disclosure of Information
Freedom of Information Environmental Information Disclosure of Information

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 1 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

East Dunbartonshire Council

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Scottish Information Commissioner Decision / Final Decision

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Council was entitled to withhold parts of a wildlife survey report under Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

Ratio Decidendi

The Commissioner found that while some information could be withheld to protect sensitive environmental data, the majority of the report should be disclosed as the public interest in transparency outweighed the potential harm.

Court Disposition

partially upheld

Orders

  • The Council is required to disclose the non-exempt portions of the wildlife survey report to the applicant.