FOI & EIR Requests - 20 Working Days Liverpool

Land Use and Zoning England 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, residents and businesses can request recorded information from the council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). The statutory target for initial responses under those public access regimes is typically 20 working days; Liverpool City Council sets out how to make requests and where to send them on its official guidance page Liverpool City Council - Freedom of information[1]. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides the central guidance on FOI and EIR handling, limits and enforcement ICO - Guide to FOI[2] and ICO - Guide to the EIR[3].

Understanding FOI and EIR requests

FOI covers recorded information held by public authorities and is governed by the Freedom of Information Act 2000; EIR covers environmental information and follows the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Both regimes require a written request that sufficiently describes the information sought and provide similar access rights, but they have different exemptions and exceptions. Liverpool City Council’s transparency pages explain how to submit a request and what information the council routinely publishes see council guidance[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and sanctions for non-compliance are exercised by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The council itself does not publish fixed local fine schedules for FOI or EIR response failures; enforcement actions are normally taken by the ICO rather than by municipal bylaw fines.

  • Response time: initial replies are normally due within 20 working days under both FOI and EIR frameworks; see ICO guidance for timing rules and exceptions.[2]
  • Enforcer: the ICO can issue enforcement notices requiring release of information or correct handling; criminal prosecution is reserved for deliberate offences as described by ICO guidance.[2]
  • Monetary penalties: specific local fine amounts for late FOI/EIR responses are not specified on the cited council page; the ICO guidance explains available enforcement powers but does not list a council fine schedule.[1]
  • Escalation: ICO action can include information notices, enforcement notices and, where applicable, criminal investigation; ranges for escalation specific to Liverpool are not published on the council FOI page.[1]
  • Appeals and review: if you are unhappy with a council decision you should ask the council for an internal review, then complain to the ICO; ICO guidance covers time limits for complaints to the regulator.[2]
If Liverpool City Council refuses a request you should ask for an internal review and you may complain to the ICO if unsatisfied.

Applications & Forms

Liverpool provides online guidance and contact details for FOI and EIR requests on its Freedom of Information pages; the council accepts written requests through the methods listed there Liverpool City Council - Freedom of information[1]. The FOI regime itself does not require a fixed application form; many applicants use the council’s online contact form or email route. Fees: routine response is normally free but costs for locating and disclosing information can be subject to the FOI cost limit rules (statutory cost threshold guidance is explained by the ICO).[2]

  • Deadline to respond: generally 20 working days from receipt unless a statutory extension or exception applies.[2]
  • Where to submit: use the council’s Freedom of Information pages for the current submission routes and contact details.[1]
  • Fees and cost limit: ICO guidance explains cost thresholds and when a public authority may refuse a request for exceeding the cost limit.[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Late response or no response: outcome is usually internal review and possible ICO complaint; monetary fines from the council are not specified on the council page.[1]
  • Unlawful refusal using exemptions: ICO can issue enforcement notices requiring disclosure if exemptions are not properly applied.[2]
  • Failure to preserve records: serious cases can trigger ICO investigation and, in rare cases, criminal prosecution as per ICO enforcement policy.[2]

Practical action steps

  • Draft a clear written request describing the information and desired time range.
  • Submit via the Liverpool City Council routes listed on the council FOI page and keep proof of submission.[1]
  • If you do not receive a satisfactory reply, ask for an internal review, then complain to the ICO if needed; see ICO guidance for procedure and timeframes.[2]
  • If the cost of compliance exceeds the statutory limit, the council may refuse under section 12 guidance from the ICO; request a breakdown of estimated costs.

FAQ

What does "20 working days" mean for a request?
The 20 working day period is the standard target for public authorities to respond to FOI and EIR requests; counting excludes weekends and public holidays and specific extensions may apply under the regulations or guidance.[2]
How do I appeal a refusal from Liverpool City Council?
First ask the council for an internal review; if still unsatisfied you may complain to the ICO using the regulator’s complaint process described in its guidance.[2]
Are there fees to make a request?
Most FOI requests are answered free of charge, but where locating or preparing information exceeds the statutory cost limit the council may charge or refuse under the cost limit rules; consult ICO guidance for how costs are calculated.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the information you want and which Liverpool department is likely to hold it.
  2. Check Liverpool City Council’s Freedom of Information pages for published data and submission routes and use the online contact method if available.[1]
  3. Send a clear written request including your contact details and a description of the records you want.
  4. Wait up to 20 working days for an initial response; if you receive a refusal, request an internal review.
  5. If the internal review does not resolve the issue, complain to the ICO using their complaint procedure and include the council’s decision notice and correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • FOI and EIR responses are normally due within 20 working days; check for exceptions.
  • Enforcement and appeals are handled by the ICO if the council’s internal review does not resolve the matter.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council - Freedom of information
  2. [2] ICO - Guide to Freedom of Information
  3. [3] ICO - Guide to the Environmental Information Regulations

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