FOI & EIR Request Timescales - Glasgow

Parks and Public Spaces Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, requests for recorded information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) and environmental information under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIR) are normally handled on a 20 working-day timescale. Public bodies must either comply, refuse with reasons, or issue an appropriate notice within that statutory period. This guide explains the statutory deadline, remedies if the council misses the deadline, how to ask for internal reviews, and the route to complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner for enforcement.

Statutory Timescales

The standard response time for FOISA requests is 20 working days from receipt of the request [1]. For environmental information requests under the EIR the statutory period is also 20 working days unless otherwise provided by the Regulations [2].

Always mark the date you send a request and keep a copy of the request text.

Penalties & Enforcement

Monetary fines for failure to respond within the statutory FOISA or EIR timescale are not specified on the cited page; the statutory regime emphasizes notices and enforcement by the Scottish Information Commissioner rather than prescribed fixed fines on the face of the statutes [1]. The commissioner may issue enforcement notices requiring disclosure and may take further legal action to secure compliance; detailed enforcement powers and procedures are set out by the Scottish Information Commissioner and in the legislation [3].

  • Typical response deadline: 20 working days for FOI and EIR requests.
  • Appeal/review route: ask for internal review, then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner; time limits for complaint are set by the commissioner or the relevant statute.
  • Non-monetary remedies: enforcement notices ordering disclosure, and potential court proceedings to enforce notices.
  • Responsible enforcer: Scottish Information Commissioner for FOISA/EIR compliance and enforcement.
If you believe information was unlawfully withheld, request an internal review first before contacting the commissioner.

Applications & Forms

No special form is required to make an FOI or EIR request to a Glasgow public authority; a written request that reasonably describes the information and provides a contact address is sufficient. If the council publishes a local request form or portal, use that route for faster handling; otherwise submit a clear written request by email or post to the authority's FOI contact address (check the council's FOI page for current contact details).

Practical Steps and Escalation

  • Step 1: Send a clear written request including your name, contact details, and exact description of the records you want.
  • Step 2: Note the date of receipt and allow 20 working days for a response.
  • Step 3: If refused or no response, ask for an internal review within the authority (follow the council's internal review guidance).
  • Step 4: If unsatisfied after internal review, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner for enforcement and review [3].

Common Violations

  • Failure to respond within 20 working days.
  • Unclear refusals lacking legal basis or adequate explanation.
  • Withholding information without conducting required third-party consultations where applicable.

FAQ

What is the standard response time for FOI requests in Glasgow?
The standard statutory period is 20 working days for FOI requests under FOISA and 20 working days for EIR requests under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 [1][2].
Can the council extend the 20 working days?
Extensions or time limits may be provided for in the legislation or by agreement in complex cases; specific permitted extensions are set out in the governing legislation or guidance and should be cited by the authority when applied [1].
How do I appeal if I don’t get a satisfactory response?
First ask for an internal review from the council, and if you remain dissatisfied, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner for enforcement and review [3].

How-To

  1. Draft a clear request describing the information you need, include your contact details and preferred format for response.
  2. Send the request to the authority’s FOI contact by email or post and retain proof of sending.
  3. If you receive a refusal or no reply, request an internal review within the authority.
  4. If still dissatisfied, submit a complaint to the Scottish Information Commissioner with copies of your request and the authority’s responses.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard timescale is 20 working days for FOI and EIR requests in Scotland.
  • Use internal review first, then the Scottish Information Commissioner for enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - s.10
  2. [2] Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 - reg.5
  3. [3] Scottish Information Commissioner - complaints and enforcement

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