Glasgow and Edinburgh Councils Reprimanded by the ICO – But All 32 Councils Must Comply With Their Obligations
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has publicly reprimanded Glasgow City Council and City of Edinburgh Council for taking far too long to respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs).
These delays are not just administrative failings. They are causing distress to those seeking their personal information for a variety of important reasons. Of particular concern, delays have been experienced by those seeking childhood records needed for applications to the Scottish Redress Scheme. For many, this information is essential evidence of time spent in care or the abuse they suffered, and the delays have compounded the already challenging path to justice.
While Glasgow and Edinburgh have received reprimands, the ICO investigation highlighted that the problem of delays in responding to SARs extends to other local authorities in Scotland.
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland Are Taking Action
At Thompsons, we believe this is unacceptable. Systemic failures by local authorities must not be allowed to cause detriment to those exercising their right to obtain their own personal data.
We are now gearing up to bring group proceedings against the local authorities which have failed to comply with their responsibilities. Each council will face a separate legal action. If you, or someone you know, has experienced delays in receiving personal records, you may be entitled to join one of these actions.
This is not just about compensation it’s about accountability, justice, and ensuring that no one suffers harm because of administrative neglect.
Read the ICO's full statement here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All 32 Scottish local authorities have been criticised by the ICO, with Glasgow and Edinburgh specifically reprimanded for repeated and serious delays.
Here is the full list of councils:
- Aberdeen City Council
- Aberdeenshire Council
- Angus Council
- Argyll and Bute Council
- Clackmannanshire Council
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council)
- Dumfries and Galloway Council
- Dundee City Council
- East Ayrshire Council
- East Dunbartonshire Council
- East Lothian Council
- East Renfrewshire Council
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Falkirk Council
- Fife Council
- Glasgow City Council
- Highland Council
- Inverclyde Council
- Midlothian Council
- Moray Council
- North Ayrshire Council
- North Lanarkshire Council
- Orkney Islands Council
- Perth and Kinross Council
- Renfrewshire Council
- Scottish Borders Council
- Shetland Islands Council
- South Ayrshire Council
- South Lanarkshire Council
- Stirling Council
- West Dunbartonshire Council
- West Lothian Council
You’re likely eligible if:
- You submitted a SAR to a Scottish local authority
- The response was significantly delayed or incomplete
- The delay has caused you distress or other harm
Our legal team can quickly assess your case in a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
How do I join?
Get in touch using the contact form on this page or call us on 0800 0891 331. We’ll guide you through the next steps and let you know what information we need.
Talk to Thompsons today to discuss your case in confidence and find out how you can be part of the group action in your area.
Our Fees
We act for you on a no win, no fee basis. This means that, provided you meet your obligations and do not withdraw your instructions before your claim is concluded without our agreement, you will not be charged any fees, VAT, or outlays if your case is unsuccessful.
If Your Claim Is Successful
- Our fee will be deducted as a percentage of the compensation secured.
- This fee includes the cost of any After the Event (ATE) insurance arranged to protect you from liability for the other side’s costs if your claim is unsuccessful.
If You End Your Agreement Early
- If you withdraw your instructions or later continue your claim with another firm, you may be liable for the reasonable cost of the work completed and any outlays incurred up to that point.
- Other Circumstances Where You May Be Liable for Costs
- If you act fraudulently or provide misleading information.
- If you refuse our advice to settle after a formal offer is made.
Full Terms
Full details are set out in our Terms of Business, which will be sent to you when your claim is accepted. Making an initial enquiry does not place you under any obligation.
