FOI & EIR Requests for Signage - Liverpool Bylaws

Signs and Advertising England 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, property owners, businesses and researchers often need official records about signs, advertising consent and street furniture. Requests for this material can be made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) where the information is environmental. This guide explains which instrument to use, expected response times, who enforces sign and advertising controls in Liverpool, how to apply for consents, and what to do if information is withheld or a sign is unauthorised.

EIR is usually the faster route for environmental information on signs and streetscapes.

Scope: when to use FOI or EIR

Use FOI to request recorded information held by Liverpool City Council that is not environmental information. Use EIR when the request concerns environmental information, for example signs on highways, street furniture, lighting, pollution or matters affecting the environment. The city’s planning and advertising controls apply to private and commercial signs on land and highways; enforcement is handled by council planning, licensing or highways teams depending on the location and type of sign.[1] For information-rights processes and statutory timescales see ICO guidance on FOI and the EIR regime.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Liverpool City Council enforces advertisement controls through its planning and enforcement teams; other teams such as licensing or highways may act where signs affect highways or licensed activities.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first offences, repeat offences and continuing offences are described as subject to enforcement action but specific monetary ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, enforcement notices, seizure or restoration orders and prosecution in the magistrates’ court are used where adverts are unauthorised; exact remedies are set out in planning legislation and council enforcement procedures and are not itemised with fees on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: Planning Enforcement and Licensing teams within Liverpool City Council handle reports and inspections; see the council contacts in Resources below.[1]
  • Appeals and review: planning enforcement notices can lead to appeals or applications for retrospective consent; information-request refusals or handling can be reviewed by the Information Commissioner under FOI/EIR processes.[2]
If a council withholds environmental information you may take a complaint to the ICO after internal review.

Applications & Forms

Advertisement consent is normally applied for through the council planning application process; the council publishes application guidance and the Planning Portal provides national application forms. If you need recorded information, FOI/EIR requests may be submitted by the council’s published FOI/EIR request routes. Specific form names or fee amounts for information requests are not specified on the cited council page; FOI/EIR handling follows statutory rules where charges may apply as set out by the council or ICO guidance.[1]

  • Apply for advertisement consent: use the council planning application route or the national Planning Portal (see Resources).
  • Submit FOI/EIR requests: use the council’s published FOI/EIR submission page or email address (see Resources).

Common violations

  • Unauthorised illuminated or projecting signs without advertisement consent.
  • Signs on the public highway or street furniture placed without highway authority approval.
  • Large banners or hoardings without planning permission or safety certificates.

Practical action steps

  • Decide FOI or EIR: if the request concerns environmental info choose EIR; otherwise use FOI and state clearly what records you want.
  • Draft a precise request: include dates, locations and document types to speed retrieval.
  • Submit via the council’s FOI/EIR page or planning application portal as appropriate; use recorded delivery or council webform where available.
  • If refused or delayed, seek an internal review then complain to the ICO under FOI/EIR rules.[2]
Keep a copy of your request and any council reference numbers for appeals and tracking.

FAQ

How long will an FOI or EIR request take for sign information?
Both FOI and EIR requests are normally dealt with within 20 working days under the statutory regime; consult ICO guidance for details on extensions and exceptions.[2][3]
Who enforces unauthorised signs in Liverpool?
Enforcement is carried out by Liverpool City Council planning enforcement, licensing or highways teams depending on the sign location and type; contact details are in Resources.
Can I appeal if information is withheld?
Yes — request an internal review from the council, and if unsatisfied you can complain to the Information Commissioner under FOI or EIR procedures.[2]

How-To

How to request sign information from Liverpool City Council.

  1. Identify whether the information is environmental (EIR) or non-environmental (FOI).
  2. Prepare a precise written request with dates, addresses and document types.
  3. Submit via the council FOI/EIR webform or email and note any reference number provided.
  4. If the council refuses or fails to reply within statutory time, ask for an internal review.
  5. If still unresolved, lodge a complaint with the ICO referencing the council decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose EIR for environmental sign matters and FOI for other recorded information.
  • Statutory timescales are generally 20 working days; check ICO guidance for exceptions.
  • Contact Liverpool City Council planning or licensing teams to report unauthorised signs.

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