FOI Requests Edinburgh - 20 Working Days Rule

General Governance and Administration Scotland 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Edinburgh, Scotland you can request recorded information from City of Edinburgh Council under the Freedom of Information framework; public authorities operating in Scotland are subject to the 20 working days response expectation for FOI requests according to official guidance.[1] This guide explains how to make a clear request, what to include, who enforces compliance and practical next steps when a response is delayed or refused.

Keep requests concise and identify a contact for follow-up.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary enforcement and review for FOI in Scotland is handled by the Scottish Information Commissioner; the City of Edinburgh Council is the responding authority for local requests. Monetary fines for failure to comply are not specified on the cited page; enforcement is described in terms of decision notices and legal routes rather than fixed fines.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: decision notices and enforcement applications to the Court of Session where the Commissioner may seek compliance; specific escalated fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of exemptions, decision notices ordering disclosure, and court enforcement actions.
  • Enforcer: Scottish Information Commissioner for appeals and enforcement; City of Edinburgh Council as the authority responsible for initial handling.
  • Appeal and review routes: internal review requests to the Council followed by application to the Scottish Information Commissioner; time limits and precise deadlines are described on the Commissioner guidance linked below.
If the council refuses or fails to respond, apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner for a review.

Applications & Forms

The Council accepts written FOI requests; the Council FOI page lists contact details and submission channels but does not mandate a specific downloadable form on the cited page.[2]

  • Form required: none specified on the cited page; requests can be made in writing or via the Council contact points.
  • How to submit: use the contact details on the Council FOI page to email or post a request, or use any online submission method provided there.
  • Deadline for authority response: 20 working days is the standard expectation for responses per guidance.[1]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Late response: may lead to complaint and decision notice; monetary penalty not specified on the cited page.
  • Unjustified refusal using exemptions: may be overturned by the Commissioner with an order to disclose.
  • Failure to locate records: may result in adverse finding if search is inadequate.
Document your request and any follow-up to support appeals.

FAQ

How long will the Council take to answer my FOI request?
The standard expectation is 20 working days for a response; where necessary the authority should provide reasons for any delay and options for internal review.
Do I need to use a specific form to make an FOI request?
No specific form is required on the cited Council page; you can make a written request with a clear description of the information you want and your contact details.[2]
What can I do if my request is refused?
First ask the Council for an internal review, then you may apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner for a review or enforcement action if you remain dissatisfied.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the recorded information you need and include dates, locations, and relevant project or reference numbers where available.
  2. Send a clear written request to the City of Edinburgh Council using the contact details on the Council FOI page; include your name and a contact email or address.[2]
  3. Note the date you submitted the request and count 20 working days as the expected response period.
  4. If refused, request an internal review from the Council and keep records of correspondence.
  5. If unsatisfied after review, apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner for a decision or enforcement.
Keep a copy of every message and be specific about the information you seek.

Key Takeaways

  • Expect a response within 20 working days for FOI requests in Scotland.
  • No special form is required unless the Council publishes one.
  • Appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner if internal review does not resolve the issue.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Scottish Information Commissioner - official site
  2. [2] City of Edinburgh Council - Freedom of Information

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