Glasgow Freedom of Information Fees Policy
Glasgow, Scotland public bodies are subject to Freedom of Information law and may apply fees or charges when providing recorded information. This guide explains how Glasgow City Council approaches fees and charges, where to find official guidance, how to request information, typical administrative steps, and how to appeal or complain. It summarises enforcement and remedies and provides official contact points and forms where available. Where a specific monetary amount or procedure is not shown on the official page, this article notes that fact and indicates the cited source. Current as of February 2026.
What the policy covers
The council’s fees and charges policy can cover staff time, photocopying, printing, postage and disbursements when complying with a request for recorded information. Glasgow City Council publishes Freedom of Information guidance and its approach to charging on its official site [1]. The Scottish Information Commissioner provides the legal framework and guidance under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and related guidance [2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for Freedom of Information compliance in Scotland is overseen by the Scottish Information Commissioner under FOISA. Glasgow City Council is the enforcing local authority for administering requests; the Commissioner issues decision notices and can require public authorities to take remedial action. Specific monetary fines for non-compliance by the council are not routinely published on the council pages and are not specified on the cited pages below; where exact penalty figures are missing this is noted.
- Enforcer: Scottish Information Commissioner enforces FOISA remedies and can issue enforcement notices and decision notices.
- Inspection and complaint route: make a complaint to Glasgow City Council FOI team first, then to the Commissioner if unresolved.
- Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions include decision notices, directions to release information, and orders to review practices.
- Appeal/review: appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner; time limits for internal review or for making a complaint to the Commissioner are not specified on the cited Glasgow page and are governed by FOISA guidance.
Applications & Forms
How to make a request and any forms: Glasgow City Council provides online guidance and contact details for FOI requests on its FOI pages. The council’s site is the primary source for any official request form or submission method; where a named form or fee is not published on that page the text below states that fact. For formal appeals to the Scottish Information Commissioner, use the Commissioner’s published complaint process and forms on the Commissioner’s site.
- Request submission: see the council FOI guidance for online form or email instructions [1].
- Response times: governed by FOISA statutory timescales; specific local processing targets are not specified on the cited Glasgow page.
- Fees: the council notes charges may apply; exact fee tables or per-page rates are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Failure to acknowledge or respond within statutory timescales — likely outcome: internal review and possible Commissioner complaint.
- Unjustified refusal to disclose recorded information — likely outcome: Commissioner decision requiring disclosure.
- Improper or undisclosed charging — likely outcome: requirement to refund or adjust fees if found inconsistent with guidance.
Action steps
- Make your FOI request in writing to Glasgow City Council using the contact details on the council FOI page [1].
- If refused or charged, request an internal review from the council within the timescale stated in their reply or in FOISA guidance.
- If unsatisfied after internal review, complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner following the Commissioner’s published process [2].
- If a fee is charged and you dispute it, ask the council to justify the charge and the calculation; if not satisfied, include the fee dispute in your complaint to the Commissioner.
FAQ
- How do I make a Freedom of Information request to Glasgow City Council?
- You must make a written request to Glasgow City Council following the instructions on the council FOI page; the council lists contact options and guidance on its official site [1].
- Will I be charged a fee to receive information?
- Fees or charges may apply for copying, printing or postage; exact fee schedules or per-item prices are not published on the cited Glasgow FOI page and are not specified on the cited page.
- What if my request is refused?
- You can ask for an internal review by the council and then complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner using the Commissioner’s published complaint process [2].
How-To
- Check the Glasgow City Council Freedom of Information guidance page to confirm how to submit a request and any published procedures [1].
- Send a clear written request describing the recorded information you want and your preferred format for the reply.
- If the council charges a fee, request a breakdown and a justification for the charge.
- If refused or unsatisfied, request an internal review from the council in writing.
- If the internal review does not resolve the matter, submit a complaint to the Scottish Information Commissioner following the Commissioner’s online process [2].
Key Takeaways
- Glasgow City Council publishes FOI guidance; check the council page before applying.
- Fees may apply, but exact rates are not specified on the cited council page.
- The Scottish Information Commissioner enforces FOISA and handles complaints.
Help and Support / Resources
- Glasgow City Council - Freedom of Information
- Glasgow City Council - Contact and complaints
- Scottish Information Commissioner - FOISA guidance