FOI Timescales for Health Information in Glasgow

Public Health and Welfare Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, requests for official health information made under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act follow a statutory 20 working-day compliance period for public authorities. This page explains how that timescale applies to local authorities and health bodies in Glasgow, who enforces compliance, how to submit requests, and what to do if a request is refused or delayed.

Submit clear, written requests specifying the records and date ranges to avoid delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcement route for Freedom of Information in Scotland is the Scottish Information Commissioner, who investigates complaints, can issue decision and enforcement notices, and require a public authority to disclose information or take other steps to comply.Scottish Information Commissioner - Enforcement[2]

  • Fines/monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; the Commissioner’s published enforcement guidance should be consulted for remedies and any monetary measures.
  • Escalation: the Commissioner may issue decision notices and enforcement notices for repeated or continuing non-compliance; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, enforcement notices, and orders to disclose information are available remedies under the Commissioner’s powers.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the Scottish Information Commissioner enforces FOI rights and accepts complaints where a public authority fails to comply.
  • Appeals and review: where a requester disagrees with a public authority decision, they may complain to the Commissioner; appeals from Commissioner determinations may proceed to the Court of Session — specific time limits for appeals are described on enforcement guidance pages.
  • Defences and discretion: public authorities may rely on statutory exemptions or cite a "reasonable excuse" for delay; the exact tests and exceptions are set out in statute and Commissioner guidance.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Late response (beyond 20 working days) — likely complaint to the Commissioner and possible decision notice.
  • Failure to locate or disclose records — possible requirement to search further and disclose or to justify exemptions.
  • Incorrect refusal citing exemptions — Commissioner review and potential overturn of refusal.

Applications & Forms

FOI requests are generally submitted in writing and must identify the requester and the information sought; public bodies typically accept email, postal letters or online webforms. For Glasgow City Council FOI submission routes and contact details see the council’s FOI page.Glasgow City Council - FOI[3]

Provide clear date ranges and file types where possible.

How the 20 working-day timescale works

The statutory 20 working-day period begins the working day after the day the authority receives a valid request; this is the standard for public authorities in Scotland under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, s.10[1]

  • Start: day after receipt of a valid, written request.
  • Counting: only working days count (weekends and public holidays excluded).
  • Extensions: where Scottish FOI exemptions apply or consultations are required, the effective handling time may be affected; see statutory provisions and guidance.
Check the recipient authority’s FOI page for accepted submission methods and contact emails.

Action steps

  • Identify the correct authority (Glasgow City Council or local NHS board) and confirm their FOI contact details.
  • Make the request in writing, clearly listing the records, date ranges and desired formats; keep a copy.
  • Wait 20 working days from the working day after receipt; track response deadlines in a diary.
  • If refused or delayed, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner using the Commissioner’s complaint process.

FAQ

How long does an FOI request for health information take in Glasgow?
Public authorities must comply within 20 working days from the working day after receipt of the request.
Can I request my own medical records under FOI?
Personal medical records are usually requested under data protection subject access rules; public bodies’ FOI pages and NHS guidance explain whether FOI or a subject access request is the correct route.
What if the authority refuses to disclose information?
You can ask the authority for an internal review and then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner if you are not satisfied.

How-To

  1. Confirm which public body holds the information (Glasgow City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, etc.).
  2. Prepare a clear written request describing the information sought, date ranges and preferred format.
  3. Submit the request using the authority’s official channel (email, webform or postal address) and retain proof of submission.
  4. Record the date received and count 20 working days from the next working day; follow up if no response by that date.
  5. If refused, request an internal review and, if still dissatisfied, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard statutory timescale for FOI in Scotland: 20 working days.
  • Submit clear, written requests to the correct Glasgow authority to avoid delays.
  • Use the Scottish Information Commissioner for complaints and enforcement.

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