FOI Fees & Charges - Manchester City Council

Technology and Data England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Introduction

This guide explains fees and charges for Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations requests affecting Manchester, England. It summarises how Manchester City Council handles charges and what requesters should expect when asking for recorded information, including common costs, time limits and appeal steps. Use the official council guidance for requests and the Information Commissioner for charging rules and remedies when required by law. Manchester FOI guidance[1]

Most FOI requests to Manchester are free, but charges can apply for disbursements or large requests.

What charges may apply

Public authorities may lawfully charge for certain costs associated with supplying information. Typical chargeable items include printing, photocopying, postage and other disbursements, and in some circumstances the cost of staff time to locate, retrieve and extract information where permitted by the legislation or regulations.

  • Printing, photocopying and paper costs may be recovered as disbursements.
  • Postage costs for physical delivery are commonly charged.
  • Large or complex requests may be subject to the statutory cost limit or may be refused as excessive.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of FOI duties is primarily through the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and the council's internal governance; specific fine amounts for local non-compliance are not set out on the cited council page. The ICO can issue decision notices and require public authorities to comply, and has a range of enforcement powers described in its guidance. ICO charging guidance[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited council page; ICO enforcement powers are described on the ICO site.
  • Escalation: decision notices and enforcement actions by the ICO; details vary by case and are set out by the ICO.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, information or practice recommendations, and mandatory compliance steps.
  • Enforcer and complaint route: Manchester City Council and the ICO; contact details are on the council and ICO pages cited above.
  • Appeal/review: internal review with the council, then complaint to the ICO; time limits for internal review are not specified on the cited council page.
If you believe the council failed to comply you should ask for an internal review before contacting the ICO.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes an online FOI request route and guidance for requesters; the specific form name or form number is not specified on the cited council page. Where charges apply the council will explain the basis of the charge and how to pay on its response.

  • How to apply: use the council's online FOI request process or contact details on the council FOI guidance page.[1]
  • Payment: the council will set out permitted fees or disbursements in its response when applicable.

Action steps

  • Prepare a clear, specific request describing the information you want and relevant dates.
  • Submit via the council's online form or published contact route.
  • If charged, request a breakdown of the fees and how to pay.
  • If refused or dissatisfied, ask the council for an internal review, then complain to the ICO if unresolved.

FAQ

Do I have to pay to make an FOI request?
Generally no; Manchester City Council will only charge permitted disbursements or apply the statutory cost limit where the legislation allows.
How long does the council have to respond?
Under FOI the usual statutory timescale is 20 working days from receipt of the request; extensions can apply in narrow circumstances.
What if I disagree with a charge or refusal?
Request an internal review from the council, and if still dissatisfied, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.

How-To

  1. Identify the specific recorded information you want, including dates, departments and file references.
  2. Use the council's published FOI request route to submit your request and provide contact details.
  3. If the council notifies you of a charge, ask for a detailed breakdown and how to pay before paying.
  4. If refused or unsatisfied, request an internal review from the council within a reasonable time.
  5. If unresolved after internal review, submit a complaint to the ICO with your request reference and review outcome.

Key Takeaways

  • Manchester may charge for disbursements but many routine FOI responses are provided free.
  • Follow the council's published request route and keep records of communications.
  • Internal review followed by the ICO is the standard complaint path.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Manchester City Council - FOI and Environmental Information Regulations guidance
  2. [2] Information Commissioner's Office - Charging for information guidance

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