FOI Request - Scottish Parliament Election Coronavirus Preparations

Request 101002716593

I am looking to see what preparations the council has made for facilitating the Holyrood election in the middle of the pandemic.

Are you able to share any briefings, correspondence, memos, or any information about the May Scottish Parliament election and coronavirus?

Response 24-03-2021

In accordance with Section 17  of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 we can advise that this information is not held by the Council. We understand that the information requested would instead held by the Returning Officer. The Electoral Registration Officer, Returning Officer and any other person appointed under the Representation of the People Act 1983 are considered separate to the Council and are not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

As part of our duty to be helpful we have been in touch with the Returning Officer who has provided the following statement:

“All ROs [Returning Officers] across Scotland are taking the same approach to ensure that elections will be delivered in a safe way for all those taking part and will be following the guidance provided by the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, Health Protection Scotland and the Electoral Management Board.”