Tory whip stirs up row over FoI

MINISTERS were accused of not allowing proper scrutiny of public spending as a row broke out over local government body Cosla being left out of the FoI review.

Tory chief whip at Holyrood David McLetchie claimed Cosla should be subject to FoI in the same way as councils and health boards to "shed much-needed light" on spending decisions.

Mr McLetchie said: "As Scotland's 32 local authorities are covered by the Freedom of Information Act, then their umbrella organisation, Cosla, should be as well."

However, a Cosla spokesman hit back: "We feel that Mr McLetchie's suggestion show selective understanding of the FOI legislation and also of the role of Cosla."