FOI & EIR Requests Guide and Fees - London

London, England residents and organisations can request public information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). This guide explains who enforces requests for London public bodies, expected response times, common fees or exemptions, how to apply, and steps to appeal or complain.

Overview of FOI and EIR in London

FOIA and EIR are UK-wide schemes that apply to central government and most public authorities, including Greater London Authority bodies and London borough councils. Local authorities will publish their own contact details and request procedures; where a London-specific guidance page exists use the authority contact for submission and internal review.Greater London Authority FOI^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces FOI and EIR compliance for public authorities. The ICO issues decision notices and can require disclosure or take regulatory action. Specific monetary penalties for non-compliance with FOIA are not routinely listed as fixed amounts on the ICO FOI guidance pages; where exact fines or penalty sums apply the cited page may state details or "not specified on the cited page" below.ICO FOI guidance^[2]

• Fines or penalties: not specified on the cited page for general FOI non-compliance; ICO may issue enforcement notices and other regulatory action.^[2]
• Escalation: internal review by the public authority, then complaint to the ICO, then judicial review or tribunal appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights) where applicable.
• Non-monetary sanctions: ICO decision notices requiring disclosure, enforcement notices, and court orders; criminal offences (e.g., altering or destroying information to prevent disclosure) are prosecuted under the relevant statute but specific penalty amounts may be "not specified on the cited page".^[2]
• Enforcer and complaints: the ICO enforces compliance; local authority monitoring and initial reviews are handled by the authority’s FOI/EIR team. To report a refusal or complaint, follow ICO complaints guidance.^[2]
• Time limits: standard response time is 20 working days for FOI and EIR requests unless an extension applies; internal review timelines vary by authority and should be requested from the authority.
• Defences/discretion: exemptions and exceptions (e.g., commercial sensitivity, national security, personal data) may lawfully justify refusal or redaction; public interest tests apply for qualified exemptions.

Applications & Forms

Most London public authorities accept written FOI/EIR requests by email, web form or post. The GLA provides contact details and a submission route on its FOI page; local boroughs normally publish a similar contact or form. For general guidance on how to make a request including required details and practical tips, see the central government guidance page.Make a FOI request - GOV.UK^[3]

• Form name/number: varies by authority; some boroughs provide a dedicated FOI request form on their website, others accept plain written requests by email.
• Required details: identifiable requester name, reasonable description of the information requested, contact details, and any preferred format for disclosure.
• Fees: public authorities may charge a reasonable fee for disbursements or where statutory charging provisions apply; specific fees are often set by the authority or stated as "not specified on the cited page" if not published centrally.
• Submission: follow the authority’s published email or web form; postal addresses are normally listed on the authority FOI page.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

• Late response: usually remedied by internal review and ICO involvement; monetary fines are not commonly published for late responses on the cited ICO FOI pages.^[2]
• Unlawful refusal: ICO decision notices may require disclosure and set compliance deadlines.
• Improper redaction: ICO can order reprocessing and disclosure if redaction was not supported by a valid exemption.

FAQ

What is the typical response time for FOI or EIR requests?

Public authorities normally respond within 20 working days; EIR also uses a 20-working-day standard although exceptions can apply.

How do I appeal a refusal?

Request an internal review from the authority, then file a complaint with the ICO if dissatisfied; further appeal may go to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights).

Are there fees to make a request?

Most requests are free to make; charges can apply for disbursements or where statutory fees are allowed, but specific fees depend on the authority or are not specified on central guidance pages.

How-To

1. Identify the public authority responsible for the information and check its FOI/EIR page for contact details and any form.
2. Write a clear request describing the documents or data you want and provide contact details.
3. Submit the request by the authority’s published method (email, web form or post) and note the date of submission.
4. If refused, ask for an internal review, then complain to the ICO if the outcome is unsatisfactory.
5. For tribunal appeals, obtain the authority’s decision notice and follow the First-tier Tribunal procedures and deadlines.

Key Takeaways

• Standard response time is 20 working days for FOI and EIR.
• Use internal review first, then the ICO; tribunal appeal is available afterward.
• Check the specific London authority’s FOI page for forms and submission details.

Help and Support / Resources

• Greater London Authority - Freedom of Information
• Information Commissioner’s Office - Make a complaint
• GOV.UK - Make a Freedom of Information request

1. [1] Greater London Authority - Freedom of Information
2. [2] Information Commissioner’s Office - Guide to Freedom of Information
3. [3] GOV.UK - Make a Freedom of Information request