FOI & EIR: Registers and Gifts in Glasgow

Elections and Campaign Finance Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, individuals and organisations can request registers and gifts information held by the council or its councillors under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). This guide explains how to identify which records are covered, how to make a valid request, typical timelines and routes for review or appeal. It also points to the council offices responsible for publishing registers of interests, gifts and hospitality, and the regulator that handles complaints. Use this article to prepare requests, locate published registers, and understand enforcement and common outcomes.

What records and registers are covered

Registers and gifts commonly available include registers of members' interests, declared gifts and hospitality for councillors and senior officers, and any published lists of declared interests related to planning or contracts. Some operational or sensitive records may be withheld under exemptions or exceptions under FOI or EIR.

  • Registers of councillors' interests and declared gifts — routinely published where applicable.
  • Published hospitality logs for senior officers and elected members where maintained.
  • Records linked to procurement or planning may be partially redacted for commercial confidentiality.
If a register is stated as published, request the published copy first before asking for additional documents.

How to make a request

Requests for registers and gifts can be made under FOI or EIR depending on the subject matter; environmental information uses the EIR route. A valid request should clearly describe the registers or time period you want, provide a contact email or postal address, and state whether you want the information by email or hard copy. Glasgow City Council publishes its FOI guidance and contact points for making requests [1]. For statutory timescales and guidance on what counts as a valid FOI or EIR request, see the Information Commissioner’s guidance [2].

  • Describe the register, date range and names or roles where relevant.
  • Provide contact details and preferred format for the response.
  • Indicate whether you accept redacted or summary information if full disclosure is not possible.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for FOI/EIR compliance is primarily handled through review and complaint procedures rather than fixed municipal fines. Glasgow City Council sets out its FOI procedures and internal review routes on its official FOI page [1], and the UK Information Commissioner's Office provides the statutory appeal route and enforcement powers for public authorities [2].

  • Fines or monetary penalties for FOI non-compliance: not specified on the cited Glasgow page.
  • Appeals: request internal review from the council, then complain to the ICO within the timescale given on the council or ICO pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, requirements to disclose, and orders to remedy handling of requests (ICO powers).
  • Enforcer and contact: Glasgow City Council FOI team for initial complaints; ICO for external review and enforcement [1][2].
If the council refuses or fails to respond, start an internal review promptly and note the deadline for ICO complaints.

Escalation, defences and time limits

  • Statutory response time for FOI/EIR requests: see ICO guidance for exact working-day limits and counting rules [2].
  • Common defences cited by authorities: exemptions (FOI) or exceptions (EIR) such as commercial confidentiality or personal data — availability of these is case-specific and will be justified in refusal notices.
  • Appeal time limits and process: the council's refusal or review response will state next steps; if not, consult the ICO guidance on complaint timelines [2].

Applications & Forms

Glasgow City Council provides FOI request instructions and a contact point on its FOI page; the council may accept email, online form or postal requests. The specific name or form number for registers-of-interests requests is not specified on the cited Glasgow page [1]. If published registers exist, they are often downloadable without an application.

Many published registers are accessible online; check the council’s registers pages before submitting a formal request.

FAQ

Who can request registers of interests and gifts?
Any member of the public or organisation can make a request under FOI or EIR for registers held by the council, subject to any applicable exemptions or exceptions.
How long will the council take to reply?
Response times follow FOI/EIR statutory limits; consult the ICO guidance for working-day counting and deadlines [2].
What if the council refuses to disclose a register?
You should request an internal review from the council and, if dissatisfied, lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

How-To

  1. Identify the specific register or time range you need and check whether the council already publishes it online.
  2. Draft a clear FOI or EIR request: include the register name, dates, format and contact details.
  3. Submit the request via the council’s FOI contact method (see the council FOI page) and note the date of submission.
  4. If refused, request an internal review promptly and escalate to the ICO if the review is unsatisfactory.

Key Takeaways

  • Registers and gifts are often published; check the council site before requesting.
  • Follow FOI/EIR drafting best practice: be specific and state preferred format.
  • Use internal review first, then the ICO for unresolved disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council - Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Information Commissioner’s Office - Guide to Freedom of Information

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