FOI & EIR Requests - 20 Working Days in London

Civil Rights and Equity England 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

In London, England, Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests to city bodies must meet statutory time limits and local submission rules. This guide explains what "20 working days" means for London public authorities, who to contact, how to make a valid request, and the practical steps when a deadline is missed or information is refused. Use the official authority contact to submit requests and, if needed, pursue an internal review before escalating to the regulator.[1]

Make requests clear, focused, and in writing to avoid delays.

What counts as a valid FOI or EIR request

Requests must identify the information sought and provide a return address. Under FOI and EIR rules a request can be made by any person; authorities must respond within the statutory time limit once a valid request is received. For environmental information, the EIR wording and exemptions differ from FOI; use the appropriate route for pollution, planning environmental assessments, or similar data.[3]

Statutory deadline - 20 working days

FOI law requires public authorities to comply promptly and in any case no later than 20 working days after receipt for most requests; some exceptions and extensions apply for complex cases.[2]

Under the EIR the timescale is also 20 working days for most requests, though there are separate exceptions for cases involving public interest considerations or complex information; consult the EIR text for exact terms.[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies for breaches are administered by the independent regulator and through statutory review mechanisms. Specific monetary fines for late responses or refusal are not specified on the cited pages; remedies commonly include decision or enforcement notices by the regulator and potential court action where an authority fails to comply.[2]

If a deadline is missed, request an internal review promptly and keep written records.
  • Statutory deadline: 20 working days for most FOI and EIR requests; see cited legislation for exceptions.[2]
  • Primary enforcer: the Information Commissioner regulates compliance and issues decision notices; local authority FOI teams process initial requests.
  • Complaint route: internal review with the authority, then complaint to the regulator; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, enforcement notices and court remedies may be applied where authorities fail to disclose as required.

Applications & Forms

Most London public bodies provide an online FOI/EIR request form or an email contact for information requests; specific form names or fees are not generally required for FOI/EIR requests and are not specified on the cited pages. See the authority page for its submission method and any guidance.[1]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Late response or no response within 20 working days — typical remedy: internal review and regulator decision notice.
  • Unlawful refusal citing exemptions incorrectly — typical outcome: regulator requires disclosure or issues guidance.
  • Failure to provide environmental information under EIR — may be escalated to enforcement notice.
Keep a copy of the original request and all correspondence for appeals.

Action steps

  • Draft a concise written request specifying records sought, date range and preferred format.
  • Send the request using the authority's official form or FOI contact address and note the receipt date.
  • If no satisfactory reply within 20 working days, ask for an internal review in writing.
  • If internal review fails, prepare a complaint to the regulator with copies of correspondence.

FAQ

How long do London authorities have to respond to an FOI request?
Generally 20 working days from receipt for most FOI requests; see the FOI legislation and local guidance for exceptions.[2]
What if I need environmental data?
Use the EIR route; the statutory timescale is usually 20 working days and different exceptions apply.[3]
Who enforces FOI and EIR in London?
The Information Commissioner enforces compliance; local authority FOI teams handle initial requests and internal reviews.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the correct authority (e.g., the Greater London Authority or the relevant London borough).
  2. Write a clear request: describe records, dates, and preferred format.
  3. Submit via the authority's official online form or FOI email and note the date received.
  4. Track the 20 working day deadline; if missed, request an internal review promptly.
  5. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, prepare and submit a complaint to the regulator with all correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • Most FOI and EIR requests must be answered within 20 working days.
  • Start with the authority's FOI team, then use the regulator for enforcement or review.
  • Keep written records of all correspondence to support appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Greater London Authority - Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Freedom of Information Act 2000, section 10 (20 working days) - legislation.gov.uk
  3. [3] Environmental Information Regulations 2004, regulation 5 (time limits) - legislation.gov.uk

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