FOI / evidence pack
One clear ward-level question, one deadline, one public log — the backbone of Community Shield Scotland.
Submitted FOIs, saved responses, and a short brief you can hand to councillors or funders.
Anyone fighting spin — community councils, journalists-in-spirit, and groups writing grant bids.
Open this guide from a ward’s Take action tab to load councillor and Area Partnership contacts for that place.
Progress stays in your browser only (no account). Clear site data wipes ticks.
Step-by-step plan
Follow the phases in order. Finish one before expanding.
Write a sharp ask
Example: damp/mould complaints by ward, last 24 months, monthly counts, CSV preferred.
Usually 20 working days. Log it on the site’s FOI tracker mindset even if offline.
Use the answer
What it shows, what is still missing, what you want the council to do.
Community council, ward councillors, Area Partnership — attach the raw response.
Kit & materials
What / when / geography / format
Ref, body, sent, due, outcome
Use this site’s Crime + FOI tabs as your baseline
PDFs of responses — not only screenshots
Council & institutional help
Use the published FOI channel. Ask for ward or multi-member ward breakdowns. If refused, ask for advice and review rights.
Different bodies hold crime subtypes, health, and fire data. One ask per body keeps it clean.
Safety & non‑negotiables
- Do not request personal data about individuals
- Be careful publishing small-number sensitive stats
- Keep the tone factual — FOI is a right, not a threat
Common mistakes
- Asking twelve questions in one email
- No geography (city-wide answers hide the ward)
- Losing the response PDF
- Publishing personal data
Funding that fits this action
FOI itself is free · Small grants only if you print community briefings · Tap a card to open the funder website.
Glasgow Area Partnership / Neighbourhood funds
Small local projects, events, equipment, environmental improvements
Who: Constituted community groups in the area
Size: £500 – £5,000
Deadline: Rounds through the year (check Area Partnership)
Tips: Show local support and a clear neighbourhood benefit. Apply to your local Area Partnership budget.
Common fails: No constitution, unclear budget, activity outside the area.
Area Partnership Budgets (GCC) →
Community Council small grants
Micro projects and seed costs
Who: Local groups (varies)
Size: £50 – £500
Deadline: Meeting cycle
Tips: Attend a community council meeting and ask early.
Common fails: No local connection demonstrated.
Glasgow Community Councils (GCC) →
Downloadable templates for this action
Open in any text editor or spreadsheet. Fill in the brackets — then send or print.