FOI/EIR Requests for Park Contracts - Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland residents and organisations can request records about park contracts from Glasgow City Council under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). This guide explains what information is available, how to submit a valid FOI or EIR request, typical timelines, exemptions that commonly apply to commercial or procurement material, and the steps for internal review and appeal to the Information Commissioner. It also identifies the council teams most likely to hold contract records and practical tips to help you make a specific, clear request so the council can locate responsive documents more quickly.
What you can request
Requestable material commonly includes contract awards, tender documents, contract values, contractor names, and performance or inspection reports for parks, grounds maintenance, and related services. Commercially sensitive redactions are often applied; procurement exemptions and confidentiality claims may limit disclosure under both FOI and EIR.
How to make an FOI or EIR request
Send a clear written request to Glasgow City Council specifying whether you are applying under FOI or EIR, the time range, and precise contract identifiers or locations. Provide contact details, a postal or email address for responses, and state if you want an electronic copy only. The council offers guidance and a point of contact for requests on its FOI pages[1].
- How to submit: written email or postal request to the council FOI contact (see Resources).
- Standard response time: the council aims to respond within 20 working days unless an extension applies.
- Deadlines: 20 working days for FOI/EIR; EIR can allow a reasonable extension for complex cases.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for failure to comply with FOI/EIR obligations is handled by the Information Commissioner (ICO) for Scotland-related FOI/EIR matters and by Glasgow City Council internally for handling requests and reviews. Specific monetary fines for council non-compliance are not specified on the cited council FOI guidance page; the ICO describes remedies including enforcement notices and published decisions[2].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for local council sanctions; ICO enforcement powers and remedies are set out on the ICO site and vary by case.
- Escalation: internal review (request a review by the council), then appeal to the ICO if dissatisfied; specific escalation fines or daily rates are not specified on the council page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, orders to disclose information, published decision notices by the ICO, and court action are potential outcomes.
- Enforcer: Glasgow City Council (FOI team) for internal handling; Information Commissioner for independent enforcement and appeal.[2]
- Appeal/review: request an internal review from the council within the council’s stated time (see FOI guidance); then refer the matter to the ICO—time limits for ICO referral are not specified on the council FOI page.
- Defences/discretion: exemptions such as commercial confidentiality, procurement sensitivity, or third-party information may be applied; councils may also rely on public interest tests under FOI/EIR.
Applications & Forms
There is no special form required for an FOI or EIR request; a written request with a clear description suffices. The council FOI guidance page provides contact details for submission and any local process notes[1].
Action steps
- Identify the contract: include contract title, procurement reference, location and date range.
- Submit request: email or post the request to the council FOI contact; keep a copy and note the submission date.
- If refused: ask for an internal review within the council’s stated timeframe, then consider referral to the ICO.
- Payable fees: the council may charge photocopying or postage fees; specific fees are not specified on the cited page.
FAQ
- Who holds park contract records?
- Glasgow City Council’s procurement and parks/lands teams normally hold contracts and related records; details are located via the council FOI contact.
- How long will it take to get a response?
- Responses are normally provided within 20 working days for FOI/EIR, subject to any statutory extension for complex cases.
- Can commercial information be withheld?
- Yes; commercial confidentiality and procurement exemptions may lead to redactions or refusal, with the council explaining grounds for any withholding.
How-To
- Find the contract details you want to request (title, procurement reference, date range).
- Write a clear request stating FOI or EIR, listing precise documents sought and providing contact details.
- Send the request by email or post to the Glasgow City Council FOI contact; keep a copy and date-stamp.
- If you receive a refusal, request an internal review from the council within the stated period.
- If still dissatisfied, refer the decision to the Information Commissioner for independent review.
Key Takeaways
- Be specific about contract identifiers to speed searches.
- Expect a 20 working day response period for FOI/EIR requests.
- Ask for an internal review before referring to the ICO.
Help and Support / Resources
- Glasgow City Council FOI guidance and contact
- Glasgow Parks and greenspace service
- Glasgow Contracts Register
- Information Commissioner (ICO) - FOI/EIR guidance