FOI or EIR for Park Records - Glasgow bylaws

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

In Glasgow, Scotland, park records may be obtainable under the Freedom of Information framework or the Environmental Information Regulations. Which route you choose affects scope, timescales and who handles your request. This guide explains how Glasgow City Council treats park-related information, how to decide between FOI and EIR, where to send requests, typical procedural steps and how to escalate if you do not get a satisfactory response.

When to use FOI or EIR

Use FOI for general administrative records held by Glasgow City Council and use EIR when the information is "environmental" in nature — for example detailed ecological surveys, pollution, land use, drainage, contaminated land, tree surveys or information directly about the state of a park environment. If you are unsure, describe the records and request the council to confirm the applicable regime when you submit your request; Glasgow City Council publishes guidance on making information requests on its FOI pages[1].

If the record directly concerns environmental conditions in a park, start with EIR.

How to prepare a request

  • Be specific: give dates, locations and document types (reports, inspection notes, plans).
  • Identify the holding service: park maintenance and asset records are typically held by Land & Environmental Services or the council parks team; check the parks pages for service details[2].
  • State your preferred format (electronic copy is standard) and include a contact email or postal address.
  • Ask for an internal review if the council refuses or partially withholds information.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of information rights for requests made to Glasgow City Council is handled through the council's FOI team and, if necessary, the external regulator (the Scottish Information Commissioner for FOI matters). The Glasgow FOI pages describe how to make a request and the complaint route to the commissioner but do not set out specific monetary fines on the council page itself[1].

The Glasgow FOI guidance refers to internal review and escalation to the Scottish Information Commissioner where required.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first internal review with the council; further appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner if unresolved (time limits for appeal are set by the commissioner or statute; check the regulator for exact limits).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement or decision notices, orders to disclose records, and directions from the regulator are the typical remedies; specific sanctions are not detailed on the council FOI page.
  • Enforcer and inspection: Glasgow City Council FOI team handles requests and internal reviews; the Scottish Information Commissioner handles external appeals.

Applications & Forms

The council accepts FOI/EIR requests via its published request process; the Glasgow FOI page explains how to submit a request but does not publish a named form number on that page, so use the online request route or the contact details shown on the council site[1].

Action steps

  • Draft a clear request that describes records, dates and locations.
  • Submit to Glasgow City Council via the FOI/EIR request page or by the contact route on the parks service pages[1].
  • Note statutory timescales: the council page sets the standard timescale details (see the FOI guidance) and confirms internal review options[1].
  • If dissatisfied, request an internal review; if still unresolved, appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner.

FAQ

Which law applies to park records?
FOI covers most administrative records; EIR applies when the information is environmental in nature such as surveys, pollution, drainage or ecological data.
How long will a council take to respond?
Glasgow City Council outlines statutory timescales on its FOI guidance pages; check the FOI page for the precise working-day limit that applies to your request[1].
Are there fees for requests?
Fees or charges may apply in limited circumstances; the council's FOI page explains any charge policy or the circumstances in which costs may be recovered.
How do I appeal a refusal?
Ask the council for an internal review first; if unresolved you may take the matter to the Scottish Information Commissioner.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact documents, dates and the park location you need.
  2. Decide whether the information is environmental (use EIR) or general administrative (use FOI); if unsure, state both in your request.
  3. Submit your request to Glasgow City Council via the FOI/EIR route on the council website and keep a copy of your submission.
  4. If the council refuses or withholds information, request an internal review from the council.
  5. If the internal review does not resolve the issue, lodge an appeal with the Scottish Information Commissioner following the regulator's guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • Use EIR for environmental data and FOI for general council records.
  • Be specific in requests and keep copies of submissions.
  • Start with internal review; escalate to the commissioner if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council - Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Glasgow City Council - Parks and Greenspace

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