Municipal FOI & EIR Requests - 20 Working Days London

Business and Consumer Protection England 4 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

London, England public bodies must respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests within 20 working days in most cases. This guide explains who handles municipal requests in London, how to submit requests, typical timelines and what to do if a public authority fails to respond or refuses disclosure. Use the steps below to prepare a clear request, identify the correct local department, note statutory time limits, and pursue an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner if necessary.

What counts as an FOI or EIR request

An FOI request asks for recorded information held by a public authority; EIR applies to environmental information such as pollution, planning decisions affecting the environment, and data about emissions. Requesters should state whether they seek information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 when making their request to a London municipal body.

How to submit a request

  • Include a clear description of the information sought and relevant dates or locations.
  • Address the request to the council’s FOI officer or the specific department handling the topic.
  • State whether the request is made under FOI or EIR and provide contact details for reply.
  • Keep a copy of the request and any acknowledgement for records.
Make requests as specific as possible to avoid delays and clarify scope.

Timeline and extensions

Public authorities in London generally have 20 working days to respond to FOI and EIR requests. Under EIR, a public authority may extend the deadline by a reasonable period if the request is complex or voluminous; check the authority’s guidance when you submit. For FOI, some public authorities may seek clarification before starting the 20 working day clock.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies are overseen by the Information Commissioner and via internal review routes at the relevant public authority. Specific monetary fine amounts for failing to respond or for wrongful refusal are not typically listed on the council or ICO guidance pages cited below; see the linked official guidance for the enforcement powers available to the regulator and for offences that may be prosecuted.[1][2]

  • Fines or statutory penalties: not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Enforcement actions: ICO decision notices and enforcement notices can require disclosure or corrective action; criminal offences for unlawful alteration or concealment of records are flagged in legislation and ICO guidance.[1]
  • Enforcer and contact: the Information Commissioner’s Office enforces FOI/EIR, and each London public authority has an FOI contact or data protection officer for initial complaints. See municipal contacts for where to send requests and complaints.[3]
  • Appeals/review: request an internal review from the public authority (time limits vary by authority); after internal review, complain to the ICO—see ICO guidance for appeal steps and statutory timeframes.
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions for FOI and exceptions for EIR (for example, commercial confidentiality, national security, or personal data) may lawfully withhold information; public authorities must cite the specific exemption/exception and grounds.
If a response is late, ask for an internal review before referring the matter to the ICO.

Applications & Forms

Many London councils accept FOI/EIR requests by email, online form, or post; some provide a dedicated FOI request form but no single national request form is required. Where a local authority publishes a specific FOI form, its name and submission details will appear on that authority’s official FOI page; if a form is not published, submit a clear written request by email or post. For central guidance on format and submission, see the ICO FOI and EIR guidance pages.[1][2]

Action steps

  • Identify the correct London public authority and FOI contact (check the authority’s FOI page).
  • Draft a short request with specific search terms, dates and format requested.
  • Submit by email or the authority’s online form and note the submission date.
  • If refused, request an internal review promptly; if unsatisfied, complain to the ICO.
Retain copies of correspondence and record when the authority acknowledges your request.

FAQ

How long does a council have to respond to an FOI or EIR request?
Most London public authorities must respond within 20 working days; EIR allows for a reasonable extension in complex cases.
Can I request environmental data about planning or pollution?
Yes, environmental information is normally requested under EIR and councils must consider disclosure unless an exception applies.
What if the council refuses my request?
Ask for an internal review from the council, and if still unsatisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

How-To

  1. Locate the correct London public authority and its FOI/EIR contact details.
  2. Draft a clear written request specifying FOI or EIR, the information sought, date range and preferred format.
  3. Submit by the authority’s published method (email, online form, or post) and keep a copy.
  4. If refused or no response, request an internal review in writing within the authority’s timescale.
  5. If the internal review is unsatisfactory, submit a complaint to the Information Commissioner referencing the authority’s decision and your communications.
Begin with a narrow, well-scoped request to reduce the risk of refusal on grounds of burden or vagueness.

Key Takeaways

  • Most FOI and EIR responses in London are due within 20 working days.
  • Contact the authority’s FOI officer first and keep records of all correspondence.
  • Use internal review, then the ICO, if the authority refuses or fails to respond.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Information Commissioner - Guide to the Freedom of Information Act
  2. [2] Information Commissioner - Guide to the Environmental Information Regulations
  3. [3] Greater London Authority - Freedom of Information

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