Request FOI or EIR Information - London
This guide explains how to request information from London, England public bodies under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). It covers which authorities are covered, what to include in a request, statutory response times, how requests are enforced, and practical next steps if you are refused or dissatisfied. Use this as a practical checklist for borough and Greater London bodies and to identify when to escalate to the Information Commissioner or the relevant authority's FOI/EIR officer.
What FOI and EIR cover
FOIA gives a right of access to recorded information held by public authorities; EIR covers environmental information, often with broader access grounds and different exceptions. Which regime applies depends on the subject matter of your request and the form of information held.
How to make a valid request
- Include your name and a contact address or email and say you are making the request under FOI or EIR.
- Describe the information clearly and, if needed, give date ranges or document titles to narrow the scope.
- Mention if you are willing to pay a reasonable fee or to receive a redacted version if full disclosure is refused.
- Send your request to the authority's published FOI/EIR contact, or use their online form if provided.
Penalties & Enforcement
Statutory response times: public authorities must respond to FOI requests promptly and in any event within 20 working days of receipt of the request[1]. For environmental information the statutory time limit is 20 working days under the EIRs[2]. If a time limit or extension is described differently on a cited official page, consult that page for details; otherwise this guide is current as of February 2026.
Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page for general FOI/EIR non-compliance; the Information Commissioner can issue enforcement notices and other actions as set out on ICO guidance[3].
Escalation and repeat offences: escalation procedures such as internal review and ICO complaints are set by statute and guidance; specific graduated fines for first, repeat or continuing FOI/EIR transgressions are not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions and remedies include enforcement notices, practice recommendations, orders to disclose, referral for prosecution where criminal offences apply, and judicial review or tribunal applications.
Enforcer and inspection: the Information Commissioner enforces FOI and EIR compliance; local FOI/EIR officers administer requests for their authority and handle internal reviews. Use the authority's published FOI contact or the ICO to complain after internal remedies are exhausted.
Appeals and review time limits: request an internal review first with the public authority within any published timeframe (commonly 20 working days after the response). If dissatisfied after internal review you may complain to the Information Commissioner; statutory time limits for ICO complaints are described on the ICO site and the referenced legislation pages.
Defences and discretion: authorities may refuse requests where an exemption or exception applies, or where requests are vexatious or repeated; they must explain relied-upon exemptions and the public interest test where applicable.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Failure to respond within 20 working days — typically leads to internal review and ICO investigation; monetary fines are not routinely specified on the cited pages.
- Unlawful withholding of environmental data — may result in ICO enforcement notice or order to disclose.
- Destruction or alteration of records to avoid disclosure — criminal offences may apply where established; details are found in statutory text and ICO guidance.
Applications & Forms
Many London authorities provide an online FOI/EIR form or an email address; no standard national form is required by statute. If a local authority publishes a form, use that form; otherwise a clear written email or letter suffices. Where a local authority charges a fee or requires clarification, the authority must notify you with reasons and any estimated charge or required clarification.
Action steps
- Identify the public body holding the information and its FOI/EIR contact.
- Make a written request stating FOI or EIR, giving contact details and a clear description of the information sought.
- Note the date you sent the request and track the 20 working day deadline.
- If refused, request an internal review, then complain to the ICO if unsatisfied.
FAQ
- Who can make an FOI or EIR request?
- Any member of the public can make a request; you do not need to be a UK resident or explain your reasons.
- How long will an authority take to respond?
- Authorities must respond within 20 working days for FOI and EIR unless an exception or extension applies[1][2].
- What if my request is refused?
- Ask for an internal review, and if still dissatisfied complain to the Information Commissioner; the ICO provides guidance on enforcement and complaints[3].
How-To
- Identify the likely holder of the information and confirm whether FOI or EIR applies.
- Draft a short written request that names the information sought, includes your contact details, and states FOI or EIR where known.
- Submit the request using the authority's published FOI/EIR email or online form and note the submission date.
- Track the statutory 20 working day deadline for response and follow up if no acknowledgment is received.
- If refused, request an internal review following the authority's published procedure.
- If the internal review upholds a refusal, submit a complaint to the Information Commissioner with your correspondence and outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Most FOI and EIR requests must be answered within 20 working days.
- Start with the authority's FOI officer, then escalate to the ICO if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- Greater London Authority FOI contact and guidance
- City of London Corporation FOI guidance
- Information Commissioner Office contact and complaints