FOI Timescales in Glasgow - 20 Working Days

Technology and Data Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland public authorities such as Glasgow City Council respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act. The statutory timescale for responding is 20 working days in most cases, with specific exceptions for complex or third-party information. This guide explains what the 20 working day deadline means in practice, how Glasgow processes requests, your rights to review or appeal, and the enforcement routes available if an authority does not comply. It also sets out practical steps for making a clear request and for chasing or appealing a refusal.

Make your request as specific as possible and include contact details to speed up response times.

How FOI requests are handled in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council operates an FOI process for recorded information and publishes guidance on how to request information, typical response times and contact points.Glasgow City Council FOI guidance[1] Requests should describe the information sought and be made in writing; the council aims to comply within the statutory timescale where applicable.

  • Statutory response time: 20 working days from receipt of a valid request.
  • What counts as a request: a written description of the recorded information sought plus contact details.
  • Complex requests may require clarification or may be treated as multiple requests.

Relevant law and exceptions

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 sets the 20 working day timescale and lists exemptions and procedural rules; consult the Act for statutory wording and definitions.Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002[2]

  • Common exemptions include personal data, national security, and commercially sensitive information as defined in the Act.
  • Where exemptions apply, the authority must explain the grounds and whether the public interest test was applied.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Act and enforcement framework focus on compliance and remedies rather than fixed monetary fines for failure to respond. Specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement is typically through notices and the Commissioner’s powers to require release or further action.Scottish Information Commissioner - complaints and enforcement[3]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: enforcement notices and recommendations; the Commissioner can take steps to enforce compliance.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, decision notices, and formal recommendations to release information.
  • Enforcer: Scottish Information Commissioner handles complaints, investigates and issues notices; Glasgow City Council handles initial requests and internal reviews.
  • Appeal/review: complain to the Commissioner if unsatisfied; time limits for complaint are set out by the Commissioner or in the Act.

Applications & Forms

How to apply: use the council’s published FOI request route or email the authority’s FOI contact; some authorities offer an online form. The Glasgow City Council FOI page lists contact methods and guidance for submitting a request.Glasgow City Council FOI guidance[1]

  • Form name: Freedom of Information request (online form or email as provided on the council page).
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page for routine requests; consult the authority if costs are a concern.
  • Deadlines: allow 20 working days for a response from receipt of a valid request.
If you do not get a response within 20 working days you can request an internal review from the council, then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner.

Common problems and practical steps

  • Make requests precise to avoid delays caused by clarification questions.
  • Record the date you submitted the request and use tracked email or the online form where available.
  • If you receive a refusal, ask for reasons and how the public interest test was applied, then request an internal review.
  • If internal review does not resolve the issue, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner for investigation.

FAQ

How long should Glasgow take to reply to an FOI request?
Glasgow aims to respond within 20 working days from receipt of a valid FOI request, subject to exemptions and reasonable extensions.
What if I don’t get a reply in 20 working days?
Request an internal review from Glasgow City Council, and if unresolved, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Are there fees to make an FOI request?
There is no routine fee to make an FOI request listed on the council guidance; specific charges for reproduction or special handling are not specified on the cited pages.
Keep copies of correspondence and note dates; these are essential if you need to escalate to the Commissioner.

How-To

  1. Draft a clear, written request describing the recorded information you want and include your contact details.
  2. Submit the request via the Glasgow City Council FOI page or email address provided on the council site.[1]
  3. Wait up to 20 working days for a response; if clarification is requested respond promptly to avoid delays.
  4. If refused or no response, ask for an internal review, then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner if still unresolved.[3]
If a council department says information is exempt, ask for the exemption reference and how the public interest test was applied.

Key Takeaways

  • The statutory deadline in Scotland is 20 working days for FOI responses.
  • Start with Glasgow City Council’s FOI route; use internal review then the Scottish Information Commissioner if needed.

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