FOI & EIR Requests - Timelines for London

Public Safety England 4 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

London, England public bodies are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). This guide explains how to make FOI and EIR requests to London authorities, the statutory timelines for responses, common grounds for refusal, routes for internal review and complaint, and where to find official forms and contacts for London agencies.

Overview of FOI & EIR in London

FOI applies to most public authorities in London and requires authorities to respond promptly and normally within 20 working days; guidance and practical obligations are set out by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). ICO guidance[1]

Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) apply where the request concerns environmental information; the EIR require information to be made available as soon as possible and normally within 20 working days, subject to limited exceptions and possible extensions as explained in official government guidance. EIR guidance[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Statutory financial penalties for failing to comply with FOI/EIR at the municipal level are not set out as fixed local fines on the primary guidance pages; specific monetary sanction amounts are not specified on the cited page. The ICO enforces compliance through decision and enforcement notices, and may take further regulatory action where appropriate. ICO guidance[1]

  • Escalation: first non-compliance typically results in an ICO decision notice; repeat or continuing failures can lead to enforcement notices or court referral (specific daily or fixed fines not specified on the cited page).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices ordering disclosure, enforcement notices, and referral to court for failure to comply with notices.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: the ICO enforces FOI/EIR; each London authority also has an FOI/EIR officer to receive requests and internal reviews.
  • Appeals and review: request an internal review from the authority, then complain to the ICO; further appeal against an ICO decision may be to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights) — time limits for each stage are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: statutory exemptions (FOI) and exceptions (EIR) apply, including public interest tests and discretionary refusal where the public interest favors withholding.
If you believe an authority has failed to follow FOI/EIR timelines, start with an internal review request before contacting the ICO.

Applications & Forms

Some London public bodies offer an online request form or a dedicated FOI email address; others accept a plain written request. Check the specific authority’s FOI page for submission details and any recommended form. The Greater London Authority provides advice and a contact route for FOI requests. GLA FOI page[3]

You do not need to mention the FOI Act by name; simply describe the information you want and the public body will treat it as a request.

Action steps

  • Identify which London body holds the information and check its FOI/EIR page for any preferred form or contact.
  • Make your request in writing (email or online form) with clear scope and contact details; track the date you sent it.
  • Wait for the authority’s response within 20 working days under FOI/EIR unless an extension or exemption applies.
  • If refused or you are unsatisfied, ask the authority for an internal review, then complain to the ICO if unresolved.

FAQ

How long should a London public body take to answer my FOI or EIR request?
Authorities normally respond within 20 working days; EIR requests are also normally handled within 20 working days, subject to limited exceptions and extensions.
Will I have to pay to make an FOI request?
Many requests are free, but authorities can charge for disbursements or rely on cost-limit exemptions under FOI; specific charging rules depend on the authority and are not universally specified on the general guidance pages.
What can I do if my request is refused?
Ask the authority for an internal review, and if still dissatisfied, complain to the ICO; further appeal against an ICO decision may go to the First-tier Tribunal.

How-To

  1. Find the correct London public body that holds the information and open its FOI/EIR web page.
  2. Draft a clear written request stating the information sought and include your contact details and a date.
  3. Submit by the authority’s recommended route (online form, email, or postal address).
  4. Record the submission date and expect a response within 20 working days; if you receive a refusal, request an internal review.
  5. If internal review is unsatisfactory, complain to the ICO with copies of correspondence and the authority's final response.

Key Takeaways

  • Most FOI and EIR responses are due within 20 working days in London.
  • Start with an internal review; the ICO is the regulator for complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] ICO guidance to organisations on the Freedom of Information Act
  2. [2] Government guidance on the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
  3. [3] Greater London Authority - Freedom of Information

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