FOI Requests - 20 Working Days | Leeds

Taxation and Finance England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

Making a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Leeds City Council is a formal route to obtain recorded information held by the council. In England public authorities must respond within 20 working days unless an exemption applies; this page explains how to make a clear, effective request to Leeds, what to expect, and where to complain if you do not receive a proper response.[1]

How to make an FOI request

To make an FOI request to Leeds City Council you should:

  • Be clear and specific about the information you want, including date ranges, departments and file references where known.
  • Prefer a written request by email or the council's online form so there is a record of timing and content.
  • Include a contact name, postal or email address and any format preference for the response.
You do not need to say why you want the information; only what information you want.

The statutory time limit is 20 working days from receipt of a valid request; exceptions (such as extended time for complex requests or where fees are charged) are set out in official guidance.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for FOI in England is handled by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and by internal review processes at Leeds City Council. Specific monetary fines for failing to respond to an FOI request are not specified on the cited page; the ICO remedies commonly used include decision notices and enforcement notices requiring disclosure or remedial action.[2]

If Leeds City Council refuses or fails to respond you can request an internal review, then complain to the ICO.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; ICO enforcement focuses on notices and compliance rather than fixed fines for FOI response failures.
  • Escalation: internal review at the council, then ICO complaint and potential ICO decision or enforcement notice; further appeal may be to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights) where applicable.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, enforcement notices and orders requiring disclosure or remedial steps; criminal sanctions for certain offences are set out in statute but specific penalties are not listed on the council page.
  • Enforcer and complaint route: the ICO handles FOI complaints; contact details and complaint procedure are published by the ICO.[3]
  • Inspection and complaint: request an internal review with Leeds City Council first; if unsatisfied, complain to the ICO within the timescales set by the ICO guidance.

Applications & Forms

Leeds City Council publishes an online form and contact details for FOI requests; no separate paid application form is usually required. If a fee applies (for reproduction or lengthy requests) the council will notify you with an explanation and estimate. The council page shows how to submit requests and any local guidance or contact details.[1]

FAQ

How long will Leeds take to respond to my FOI request?
Leeds City Council should respond within 20 working days from receipt of a valid request, unless a statutory exemption or extension applies.
Do I have to pay to make an FOI request?
Most FOI requests are free; if significant copying or staff time is required the council may charge a fee and will issue a fees notice — check the council page for details.[1]
What if my request is refused?
You can ask Leeds City Council for an internal review; if still unhappy you may complain to the ICO, which can issue decision or enforcement notices.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify the specific information you need, including dates and relevant departments.
  2. Check Leeds City Council publications and open data to see if the information is already published.
  3. Submit a written request using the council's online FOI form or the official contact email; include your name and contact details.
  4. Allow 20 working days for a response; if you receive a refusal ask for an internal review within the timescale stated in the refusal.
  5. If the internal review is unsatisfactory, complain to the ICO and provide copies of your request and the council's responses.

Key Takeaways

  • Allow 20 working days for Leeds to respond to a valid FOI request.
  • Use the council's online form or a clear written email to create a dated record of your request.
  • If refused, ask for an internal review, then complain to the ICO if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Leeds - Make a freedom of information request
  2. [2] Information Commissioners Office - Guide to Freedom of Information
  3. [3] Information Commissioners Office - Decision notices and enforcement

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