Edinburgh FOI and EIR Guide - 20 Working Days

Environmental Protection Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Scotland

This guide explains how Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests work for residents and businesses dealing with the City of Edinburgh Council in Edinburgh, Scotland. It sets out which regime applies, the standard 20 working day timescale, immediate steps to make a compliant request, complaint and appeal routes and where to find official forms and contacts. Use this to decide whether to request information under FOI or EIR and to meet deadlines and procedural requirements when you apply to the council.

Ask for an internal review if you disagree with a council refusal before contacting the regulator.

Which law applies: FOI or EIR?

FOI covers recorded information held by public authorities unless an exemption applies; EIR covers environmental information such as pollution, planning decisions affecting the environment and natural resources. For City of Edinburgh Council guidance on making requests and which regime to use, see the council’s access to information pages City of Edinburgh Council FOI pages[1].

Key timescales and scope

  • Standard response time: 20 working days from receipt for both FOI and EIR unless an extension applies under the regulations [2].
  • Requests must be clear about the information sought; narrow requests avoid delay and review delays.
  • For EIR, the council may extend the deadline for complex requests under the EIR exceptions; check the cited guidance [2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies are handled through the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for FOI/EIR compliance and through internal council review routes. Specific monetary fines for FOI or EIR non-compliance are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement commonly takes the form of decision notices or enforcement notices by the ICO [2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: typical path is internal review by the council, then an ICO complaint and possible ICO decision/enforcement; exact escalation fines or ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: ICO decision notices, enforcement notices, and potential court action to compel disclosure are available remedies according to ICO practice [2].
  • Enforcer and complaints: the City of Edinburgh Council Access to Information team handles requests and reviews; unresolved cases may be taken to the ICO City of Edinburgh Council FOI pages[1].
  • Appeal and review: request an internal review from the council first; if still dissatisfied, complain to the ICO. Time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited council page.

Applications & Forms

The council accepts FOI/EIR requests in writing; there is no standard paid application form for routine information requests. For the council’s stated contact details and submission methods, consult the council FOI pages City of Edinburgh Council FOI pages[1].

No mandatory paid application form is published for general FOI/EIR requests on the council pages.

Making a compliant request

  • Be specific: include dates, locations, project names or document titles to help the council locate records.
  • Provide contact details and a clear preferred format for the information (email, PDF, etc.).
  • State whether you are making the request under FOI or EIR if known, and explain why the information is environmental if you believe EIR applies.
  • Keep a copy of your request and the council acknowledgement email or reference number.
If you need faster disclosure of environmental risk information, specify urgency and the reason in your request.

FAQ

How long will the council take to respond to my FOI or EIR request?
The usual time is 20 working days from receipt; EIR can allow extensions for complex requests per the regulator guidance.
Can the council refuse my request?
Yes — exemptions (FOI) or exceptions (EIR) can apply; you will be given reasons and your internal review options.
Who do I contact if I’m unhappy with the council’s response?
Request an internal review from the council first, then complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office if needed.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the information sought is environmental (EIR) or general public information (FOI).
  2. Draft a clear written request with contact details, preferred format and any date ranges or reference numbers.
  3. Send the request to the City of Edinburgh Council’s access to information contact via the council FOI page methods City of Edinburgh Council FOI pages[1].
  4. Note the council’s acknowledgment and start the 20 working day clock; follow up if you have not received a response near the deadline.
  5. If refused, ask for an internal review from the council and keep records of the review request.
  6. If still dissatisfied after internal review, complain to the ICO with your request, council responses and review correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • Both FOI and EIR normally use a 20 working day response period.
  • Choose EIR for environmental data and explain why in your request.
  • Use internal review first, then the ICO for enforcement or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Edinburgh Council - Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Information Commissioner’s Office - FOI and EIR guidance

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