How to Submit FOI & EIR Requests in London

In London, England public bodies must respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests under national law while local practices vary by borough and authority. This guide explains who can receive a request, how to submit FOI and EIR requests to London public bodies, statutory timelines, common exemptions, appeals, and official contacts for enforcement and support.

Who must you send a request to

Most London public authorities — including the Greater London Authority and local borough councils — are covered by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Find your specific authority's FOI contact details and preferred submission method on its official FOI page GLA FOI guidance^[1] and consult ICO guidance on environmental information where relevant ICO EIR guidance^[2].

How to make an effective request

• Be clear and specific about the information you want and give a reasonable time frame or scope.
• Provide a name and contact address (email is acceptable) and say whether you are making a request under FOI or EIR.
• Check whether the information is already published on the authority's publication scheme before requesting.
• Use the authority's online form or designated FOI/email contact where available to avoid delays.

Statutory timelines and responses

Under the Freedom of Information Act public authorities must respond promptly and in any event within 20 working days of receipt; the FOIA time limit is set out in statute FOIA s10^[3]. For environmental information, the Environmental Information Regulations normally require a response within 20 working days as described in official guidance.

• Standard statutory deadline: 20 working days from receipt for FOI and generally 20 working days for EIR.
• Extensions: limited statutory exceptions may permit longer periods; check the authority's notice and ICO guidance for specific grounds.

Penalties & Enforcement

Sanctions for non-compliance are enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and by the tribunal system rather than routine fixed fines in most FOI/EIR cases. Specific fine amounts for FOI/EIR failures are not specified on the cited enforcement pages; the ICO powers include notices and, in some statutory contexts, monetary penalties under other legislation. See ICO guidance for enforcement options and remedies ICO EIR guidance^[2].

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: authorities may issue internal reviews; the ICO can issue decision or enforcement notices; appeals go to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights).
• Non-monetary sanctions: information or enforcement notices requiring release, certificates of public interest, and tribunal orders.
• Enforcer and complaints: the ICO handles complaints and enforcement; contact via ICO pages or your authority's FOI officer.

Appeals, reviews and time limits

• Internal review: request an internal review from the authority (time limits for review responses vary by authority).
• ICO complaint: if unsatisfied, complain to the ICO within the timescales set on the ICO site; the ICO will assess and may issue a decision notice.
• Tribunal appeal: you may appeal ICO decisions to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights); tribunal time limits are set by tribunal procedure rules.

Applications & Forms

Many London authorities publish an online FOI request form and accept email requests; check the authority's FOI page for the official submission method. The Greater London Authority publishes its FOI contact and submission routes on its FOI guidance page GLA FOI guidance^[1]. If no specific form is published by an authority, a written email or letter that states the request clearly is normally sufficient.

Common violations and examples

• Failure to respond within 20 working days — typical remedy: ICO complaint and decision notice.
• Unjustified refusal relying on an inapplicable exemption — typical remedy: internal review and ICO appeal.
• Failure to provide environmental information under EIR — typical remedy: ICO enforcement.

FAQ

How long will a London public authority take to respond?

Generally 20 working days for FOI and normally 20 working days for EIR, subject to limited exceptions and statutory provisions.

Do I have to say why I want the information?

No, you do not normally need to provide a reason for an FOI or EIR request, but giving context can help locate records.

What if my request is refused?

Ask for an internal review, then complain to the ICO and, if necessary, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights).

How-To

1. Identify the public authority holding the information and find its FOI/EIR contact details.
2. Draft a clear written request stating you are making an FOI or EIR request, describe the information, and include your contact details.
3. Submit using the authority's online form or official FOI email address and note the date of submission.
4. Wait 20 working days for a response; if refused, request an internal review within the authority.
5. If still dissatisfied, complain to the ICO and consider appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

Key Takeaways

• Standard response time is 20 working days for FOI and usually 20 working days for EIR.
• Use the authority's official FOI form or email and keep records of your submission.
• Appeals progress from internal review to the ICO and then to the First-tier Tribunal if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

• Greater London Authority FOI guidance
• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (legislation.gov.uk)

1. [1] Greater London Authority FOI guidance
2. [2] ICO guidance on the Environmental Information Regulations
3. [3] Freedom of Information Act 2000, section 10 (time for compliance)