FOI and EIR 20 Working Days - London Council Law

Transportation England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

In London, England, requests for recorded information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and environmental information under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) are routinely subject to a 20 working day response standard for public authorities. This guide explains how the 20 working day clock runs, who enforces the rules in London, common reasons for delay or refusal, and the practical steps London residents and businesses should take to make, chase or appeal a request to a borough, the Greater London Authority or the City of London Corporation.

How the 20 working day rule applies

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 public authorities must respond to a valid request promptly and within 20 working days of receipt.[1]

The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 require environmental information to be made available as soon as possible and no later than 20 working days after the request is received, subject to limited exceptions.[2]

Count working days as Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the regulatory body that issues decision notices, enforcement notices and guidance for FOI and EIR compliance in England; specific monetary fine amounts for FOI non-compliance are not specified on the cited ICO guidance page.[3]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; enforcement focuses on notices and orders rather than set penalties for late responses.
  • Escalation: initial decision notices, then enforcement notices; further court enforcement if the authority does not comply.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices requiring disclosure, enforcement notices, and public reports.
  • Enforcer: Information Commissioners Office (ICO); complaints and enforcement requests to the ICO via its official complaints page.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: complain to the public authority first; escalate unresolved matters to the ICO within the ICOs published timeframes.
  • Appeals/review: request internal review with the authority; then appeal to the ICO; time limits for internal review requests are not specified on the cited page.
If a council relies on an exemption or exception it must explain the reasoning and provide a refusal notice.

Applications & Forms

There is no single national FOI form: send a written request (email or post) that names the information sought and provides contact details; many London boroughs provide online request forms on their FOI pages. If a specific council form is required, consult that councils FOI page.

Common violations and practical remedies

  • Failure to respond within 20 working days - remedy: request internal review, then complain to the ICO.
  • Improper redaction or overuse of exemptions - remedy: seek clarification and appeal to the ICO if unsatisfied.
  • Refusal without a valid legal basis - remedy: internal review and ICO complaint.

Action steps

  • Draft a clear written request stating what records you want and provide contact details.
  • Submit to the relevant London borough or the Greater London Authority via the published FOI/EIR contact route.
  • Track the 20 working day deadline and request an internal review if you receive no response or an unsatisfactory refusal.
  • If internal review is unsatisfactory, submit a complaint to the ICO with your correspondence and the authoritys responses.

FAQ

How long do London councils have to answer an FOI request?
They must respond within 20 working days from receipt under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.[1]
Does the 20 day rule apply to environmental information?
Yes; the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 require environmental information to be supplied as soon as possible and no later than 20 working days, subject to exceptions.[2]
What can I do if a council does not comply?
Ask for an internal review, then complain to the ICO with copies of your request and the councils replies.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact records or datasets you need and whether they are environmental in nature.
  2. Find the council or authoritys FOI/EIR contact page and note any local submission preferences.
  3. Send a written request with your name, contact details and a clear description of the information sought.
  4. Allow 20 working days for a response, and log the date received to calculate deadlines.
  5. If refused or no reply, request an internal review; if still unresolved, lodge a complaint with the ICO.

Key Takeaways

  • FOI and EIR normally require responses within 20 working days in London.
  • The ICO handles enforcement, primarily through decision and enforcement notices.
  • Start with a clear written request and keep records to support complaints or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Freedom of Information Act 2000, section 10 - time for compliance
  2. [2] Environmental Information Regulations 2004, regulation 5 - time limits
  3. [3] ICO guidance - time limits and compliance for FOI

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