FOI & EIR Fees and Charges - Liverpool
In Liverpool, England, requests for recorded information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) are handled by Liverpool City Council's Information Governance team. This guide explains how charges may be applied, who enforces compliance, routes for internal review and appeal, and practical steps to request information. It summarises official council and Information Commissioner Office (ICO) guidance and is current as of February 2026. Use the links and action steps below to make a request, check likely fees, and escalate a dispute if needed.
How charges are calculated
Liverpool City Council may apply charges for supplying information where legislation allows. Charging can differ between FOI (where charges relate to cost of compliance) and EIR (where charges may reflect reproduction and administration). See the council's official guidance for submission details and contact points.[1]
- Charges may include staff time for locating and extracting information, photocopying and postage.
- Some requests may be refused if the estimated cost exceeds the statutory cost limit or is disproportionate.
- Different charging rules apply under FOI and EIR; councils publish practical arrangements.
Penalties & Enforcement
Formal financial penalties specifically for refusal to comply with FOI/EIR are not detailed on the cited Liverpool guidance page; enforcement remedies and powers are primarily exercised by the Information Commissioner, including assessment and enforcement notices and orders. For precise ICO enforcement powers and remedies see ICO guidance.[2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited Liverpool page; ICO enforcement pages describe notices and compliance measures rather than fixed local fine schedules.
- Escalation: first refusal normally leads to an internal review request, then complaint to the ICO; specific staged fine amounts or daily fines are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, requirement to disclose, and publication orders by the ICO are used to secure compliance.
- Enforcer and contact: Liverpool City Council Information Governance team handles initial requests and internal reviews; unresolved disputes may be taken to the ICO. See Help and Support below for official contact pages.
- Appeals/review: request an internal review from the council, then complain to the ICO if dissatisfied; time limits for ICO complaints are not specified on the cited council page.
- Defences/discretion: public authorities may refuse or charge where exemptions apply or where a reasonable excuse or statutory charging power exists; specifics depend on FOI/EIR provisions and the council's published practices.
Applications & Forms
No special statutory form is required to make an FOI or EIR request; Liverpool City Council accepts written requests by email or via its published contact route. The council's guidance page shows submission addresses and preferred methods.[1]
- Form required: none mandated by statute; use the council's online contact or email as listed on the official page.
- Fees: where applicable, the council will confirm any charge before processing; specific fee tables are not always published on the council page.
- Submission: email or online contact form to Information Governance; check the council page for exact email addresses and postal addresses.
Action steps
- Prepare a clear written request specifying the recorded information sought and preferred format.
- Send the request to Liverpool City Council's Information Governance contact listed on the council FOI page.[1]
- If the council proposes a charge, ask for an itemised breakdown and written confirmation before payment.
- If unsatisfied with the council's response request an internal review, then consider a complaint to the ICO.
FAQ
- How do I make an FOI or EIR request to Liverpool City Council?
- Send a clear written request with contact details to the Information Governance email or online contact shown on the council FOI page; no special form is required.[1]
- Will I have to pay for the information?
- Possibly; the council may charge for staff time, reproduction and postage where legislation allows. The council should confirm any charge before processing.
- What if my request is refused?
- Request an internal review from Liverpool City Council, then you can complain to the ICO if you remain dissatisfied; see ICO guidance for enforcement options.[2]
How-To
- Identify the precise information you need and preferred format for the response.
- Locate Liverpool City Council's Information Governance contact on the official FOI page.[1]
- Send a written request by email or online contact form including your name, contact details and a clear description of the information sought.
- Wait for the council's acknowledgement and any cost estimate; if a fee is proposed ask for an itemised breakdown.
- Pay any lawful fee if you accept it, or ask for a review if you dispute the charge or a refusal.
- If internal review does not resolve the issue, complain to the ICO using their official complaints route.[2]
Key Takeaways
- FOI/EIR requests do not require a special form; use the council's published contact route.
- Councils may charge; the council should explain and confirm any fee before you pay.
- Start with an internal review at Liverpool City Council, then escalate to the ICO if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- Liverpool City Council - Freedom of Information
- Liverpool City Council - Contact us
- Liverpool City Council - Data protection and information governance