FOI & EIR Requests - 20 Working Days Edinburgh

Parks and Public Spaces Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland residents and businesses have rights to access recorded information from the City of Edinburgh Council under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act and to environmental information under the Environmental Information Regulations. This guide explains the 20 working day standard, who enforces compliance, how to make a clear request, and practical steps for appeals and complaints. It summarises official contacts and forms so you can act promptly if a response is late or incomplete.

Requests must be clear and describe the information you want to improve chances of a timely response.

When to use FOI vs EIR

Use FOI for general recorded information held by the council; use EIR where the request concerns environmental data such as pollution, planning decisions affecting the environment, or emissions. The City of Edinburgh Council publishes its guidance on making requests on the council website Make a freedom of information request[1], and the Scottish Information Commissioner provides official guidance on public rights and timescales How to make a request in Scotland[2].

Key timelines and practical deadlines

  • Standard council response time: 20 working days from receipt of a valid request (see official guidance).
  • If clarification is required, the 20 working days may start from receipt of the clarification - check the council reply.
  • Time to appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner: see council decision notice for the specified appeal period; if not shown, not specified on the cited page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is primarily by the Scottish Information Commissioner for FOI/EIR matters affecting Scottish public authorities; the City of Edinburgh Council handles initial requests and internal reviews. Official pages outline actions the Commissioner can take but do not list fixed fine amounts on the council guidance page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for the council; see the Commissioner for enforcement measures.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices and orders to disclose information are available remedies under Scottish information law.
  • Enforcer and contact: City of Edinburgh Council FOI team handles requests; the Scottish Information Commissioner enforces compliance and handles complaints.[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: request an internal review from the council, then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner if unresolved.
  • Appeals and time limits: appeal to the Commissioner after an internal review; the council page does not specify exact appeal time limits on the cited guidance.
If the council refuses disclosure, request a written internal review and note the date to preserve appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

The City of Edinburgh Council provides an online request form and guidance for making FOI/EIR requests on its website; fees for handling a request are not listed on the council guidance page and may be governed by statute or separate charging schedules.[1]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Late responses: council should explain delay; escalate by internal review then to the Commissioner.
  • Vague requests causing refusal: council may ask for clarification rather than refuse.
  • Improper withholding of information: likely outcome is an enforcement notice ordering disclosure.

Action steps

  • Draft a clear written request describing records and date ranges; include contact details.
  • Submit via the City of Edinburgh online FOI/EIR form or by email to the council FOI contact on the official page.[1]
  • If no reply within 20 working days, request an internal review from the council stating dates and details.
  • If internal review does not resolve the matter, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner with your correspondence and timelines.[2]

FAQ

How long does the council have to respond to an FOI or EIR request?
The standard period is 20 working days from receipt of a valid request; check the council guidance page for details.[1]
Do I have to pay to make an FOI request?
The council guidance does not specify a mandatory fee for making a request; charges for copying or disbursements may apply under separate rules and are not specified on the cited page.
What if the council refuses to release information?
Ask for an internal review from the council, then you may appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner if you remain dissatisfied.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the information you need, including date ranges and specific documents.
  2. Use the City of Edinburgh Council online FOI/EIR request form or email the FOI team; include your name and contact details.[1]
  3. Allow 20 working days for a response; if clarification is requested, respond promptly to avoid delay.
  4. If refused or you receive no reply, request an internal review from the council naming your original request and dates.
  5. If the internal review does not resolve the issue, submit a complaint and appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner with all correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • Expect a 20 working day standard response from the council for FOI/EIR requests.
  • Use the council online form and keep records of dates and correspondence.
  • Internal review then the Scottish Information Commissioner are the formal escalation routes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Edinburgh Council - Make a freedom of information request
  2. [2] Scottish Information Commissioner - How to make a request in Scotland

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data