Glasgow By-law: Fees for Information Requests & Reviews

General Governance and Administration Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

This guide explains how fees and charges apply to information requests and internal reviews in Glasgow, Scotland, who enforces the rules, and what steps residents and businesses should take to request, pay or appeal. It covers council practice on charging, common grounds for review, complaint routes and practical timelines for seeking internal review or escalating to the regulator.

Check any stated deadlines for review requests carefully with the council.

Overview

Glasgow City Council deals with Freedom of Information and environmental information requests within the framework of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and related guidance. Practical charging and review procedures are published by the council and by the Scottish regulator; specific fee amounts or detailed charge schedules may be provided on the council pages referenced below.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties and enforcement for failures to comply with information duties are managed through internal council remedies and by the Scottish Information Commissioner. Where the council fails to comply an enforcement notice or decision may be issued by the Commissioner; monetary fines are not routinely listed on the council page and specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.[1][2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; enforcement action is normally corrective through notices rather than preset fines.
  • Escalation: internal review then regulator complaint; ranges for escalating fines or penalties are not specified on the council page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, statutory directions or orders by the Scottish Information Commissioner; potential court action for persistent breaches.
  • Enforcer: Glasgow City Council for initial handling; Scottish Information Commissioner for independent enforcement and decisions.[2]
  • Inspection and complaints: use the council FOI complaints and the Commissioner complaint submission routes.
If the council cites a fee, ask for a written breakdown of how the charge was calculated.

Appeals, Reviews and Time Limits

How to challenge a decision: request an internal review from Glasgow City Council within the time allowed in the council procedure (if no time is stated on the council page, request review promptly and keep records); if dissatisfied, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner. Specific statutory time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited council page; consult the Commissioner for firm statutory deadlines and procedures.[2]

Defences and Discretion

Common defences or exemptions include personal data exemptions, commercial sensitivity, or where the request exceeds cost thresholds. Councils may rely on permitted exemptions and can apply charging where regulations allow; exact discretion rules or fee thresholds are not specified on the cited council page.

Common Violations

  • Failure to respond within statutory timescales — likely remediation via review or Commissioner decision.
  • Incorrect charging or failure to provide fee explanation — may lead to internal review or regulator complaint.
  • Improper redaction or withholding of records — commonly challenged at review or to the Commissioner.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes a request submission route and may provide an online form or email address for FOI and review requests; if no specific downloadable form is published the council accepts written requests and internal review requests by letter or email. Where a named form or fee schedule is required, that form name or fee is not specified on the cited council page.[1]

Keep a copy of your original request and all correspondence to speed any internal review.

FAQ

Who decides whether I must pay a fee?
The council makes the initial fee decision; you can request an internal review, and the Scottish Information Commissioner can consider the decision on complaint.
Can I appeal a council fee decision?
Yes — request an internal review from Glasgow City Council and then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner if still dissatisfied.
How long do I have to request a review?
The council procedure should state any internal time limits; if the council page does not state a time limit, submit a review request promptly and contact the regulator for statutory deadlines.

How-To

  1. Prepare: gather the original request, council reference number and copies of correspondence.
  2. Request internal review: send a written request to the council FOI team, citing the decision and reasons for review.
  3. Await outcome: allow the council the stated period for review; if none is stated, follow up after a reasonable interval (usually a few weeks).
  4. Escalate: if unhappy with the review decision, submit a complaint to the Scottish Information Commissioner with documents and timelines.
Start with an internal review before contacting the Commissioner to preserve appeal rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Glasgow handles FOI requests and reviews but specific fee schedules may not be listed publicly on the council page.
  • Always ask for a written fee breakdown and request an internal review if you disagree.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Glasgow City Council Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Scottish Information Commissioner

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