FOI vs EIR Requests - Glasgow Guide

Civil Rights and Equity Scotland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Intro

Glasgow, Scotland taxpayers and community groups commonly need to know whether to use a Freedom of Information (FOI) request or an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request when asking the council for records. This guide explains the differences, who enforces each regime, time limits, how to make a valid request to Glasgow City Council, and the practical steps to appeal or complain if you are refused. It is written for residents and small organisations and focuses on official council and Scottish information-regulator sources so you can follow the correct procedure and preserve appeal rights.

When to use FOI or EIR

FOI (Freedom of Information) under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act covers recorded information held by public authorities about policy, decisions, spending and services. EIR covers environmental information such as emissions, environmental impact assessments, monitoring data, and policies relating to the environment. If the information relates to the state of the environment or environmental factors, use EIR; otherwise start with FOI and the authority will confirm applicability.

EIR is often faster for environmental data because it is explicitly environment-focused.

Response deadlines differ by regime and are set out by Scotland's regulator and the council pages linked below. Scottish Information Commissioner[1] explains statutory timescales and remedies. Glasgow City Council describes how to submit requests on its FOI pages. Glasgow City Council FOI[2] The Scottish Government sets the policy framework for FOI and EIR in Scotland. Scottish Government FOI policy[3]

How to make a request

Make a clear, specific written request addressed to Glasgow City Council. Include a contact, a clear description of the information required, and whether you consider the request to be under FOI or EIR. If uncertain, say you are asking under both and request the authority to confirm which will be used and why. Keep copies and note the date sent.

Always save a dated copy of your request and any council acknowledgement.
  • Include name and contact details and state FOI or EIR preference where known.
  • Note the date you send the request to start the statutory timescale.
  • Be specific about documents, date ranges and formats to reduce clarifications.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is through the Scottish Information Commissioner for failures to comply with FOISA or EIR obligations; statutory remedies include decision and enforcement notices requiring disclosure or action. Monetary fines for failure to comply are not specified on the cited regulator page. For timelines, FOI and EIR response deadlines are set out by the Scottish Information Commissioner and the council pages cited above.

The regulator can order release but the cited pages do not list civil fines for council non-compliance.
  • Enforcer: Scottish Information Commissioner handles complaints and issues decision and enforcement notices; Glasgow City Council is the responding authority.
  • Appeal/review: Where dissatisfied you can complain to the Commissioner; further legal challenge is to the Court of Session if available—time limits for judicial appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited regulator page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, enforcement notices and orders to release information or take specific steps.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: submit complaints to the Scottish Information Commissioner or follow Glasgow Council complaint/contact routes on the council FOI page.

Applications & Forms

Glasgow City Council publishes guidance and contact details for FOI/EIR requests on its FOI webpage; whether an online form is required or a specific form number is used is described there. If no form is needed, a written email or letter is generally accepted—see the council page for submission details and contact points.[2]

Action steps

  • Draft a short, dated request stating FOI or EIR and desired documents.
  • Send by email or the council's online form and keep evidence of submission.
  • Wait for the statutory response period; if refused, ask for the internal review and note deadlines.
  • If internal review fails, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner following their process.

FAQ

What is the statutory response time?
Public authorities normally have 20 working days to respond to FOI and EIR requests; see the Scottish Information Commissioner guidance for details.[1]
Can I ask for environmental data under FOI?
Yes, but environmental information is generally dealt with under the EIR regime which is tailored to environmental data and may affect handling and exceptions.
Who enforces compliance if the council refuses?
You can request an internal review from Glasgow City Council and then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner if unresolved.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify whether the information is environmental or general council information.
  2. Draft a clear written request with dates, scope and contact details.
  3. Submit via Glasgow City Council's FOI route or email; keep proof of sending.
  4. If refused, request an internal review from the council within the timescale they set.
  5. If internal review does not resolve it, file a complaint with the Scottish Information Commissioner.

Key Takeaways

  • Use EIR for environmental data and FOI for other public information.
  • Keep requests specific and date-stamped to start the statutory timescale.
  • The Scottish Information Commissioner enforces compliance and issues decision and enforcement notices.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Scottish Information Commissioner - official guidance
  2. [2] Glasgow City Council - Freedom of Information
  3. [3] Scottish Government - Freedom of Information policy

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