Information (FOI/EIR) Response Times - Glasgow

Civil Rights and Equity Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

Glasgow City Council and other public authorities in Scotland must follow statutory time limits for Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests. For FOI the statutory time for compliance is 20 working days[1]. For requests for environmental information the Regulations require a response within 20 working days unless a specific exception applies[2].

You can ask for recorded or emailed copies and the clock starts on receipt of the request.

Scope and who this applies to

This guidance explains statutory response times, enforcement routes and practical steps for requests to Glasgow City Council and other public authorities operating in Glasgow, Scotland. It covers FOI Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, how to complain, and where to find official forms or contact points.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary legislation sets time limits but does not itself list monetary fines for routine non-compliance; specific financial penalties are not specified on the cited pages for council-level non-response. Glasgow City Council enforcement, internal review and complaint routes are managed by the council and by the Information Commissioner for Scotland or the ICO for cross-border matters[3].

  • Statutory response time: 20 working days for FOI requests.
  • Statutory response time: 20 working days for EIR requests.
  • Enforcer: internal council FOI team and the Information Commissioner (complaint and enforcement functions).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disclose information, enforcement notices, and referral to tribunal or court where applicable.
  • Fines/penalties for breach of EIR/FOI are not set out on the cited legislation pages and are handled via enforcement notices and remedies by the regulator; specific monetary penalties are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals: internal review request to the council, then complaint to the Information Commissioner or ICO; time limits for internal review vary by council and are not specified on the cited page.
If you do not receive a reply, request an internal review first, then complain to the regulator.

Applications & Forms

How to submit a request or an internal review to Glasgow City Council is set out on the council website. Where a specific council form is published, use the council’s online FOI/EIR request form or the emailed submission method on the council’s contact page; if no form is required you may submit a clear written request by email or post. The council page lists contact and submission details for requests and reviews.

Making a valid request

A valid FOI or EIR request should:

  • Clearly state what information you want and provide sufficient detail to allow identification of records.
  • Include your name and an address for reply (email or postal).
  • Specify whether you are making the request under FOI or EIR if you have a preference.
Requests that are unclear may be subject to a clarification request which pauses the time limit.

Action steps

  • Step 1: Draft a clear written request with dates, topics and preferred format.
  • Step 2: Send your request using the council’s published FOI/EIR contact method.
  • Step 3: Track the 20 working-day response clock from receipt; note business days only.
  • Step 4: If refused or not answered, ask for an internal review, then complain to the regulator if unresolved.

FAQ

How long will Glasgow City Council take to respond?
Glasgow City Council has 20 working days to respond to an FOI request and 20 working days for an EIR request, subject to exceptions for complex or multi-part requests.[1][2]
Can I get help making a request?
The council’s FOI team can assist with framing a request and advising on records locations; see the council contact pages for official support.
What if the council refuses my request?
You should ask for an internal review from Glasgow City Council, then complain to the Information Commissioner or ICO if the review does not resolve the matter.

How-To

  1. Identify the records you need and set a clear date range or subject scope.
  2. Send the request to the council using the official FOI/EIR contact point on the Glasgow City Council website.
  3. Note the date of receipt and monitor the 20 working-day response time.
  4. If refused, request an internal review within the council and then escalate to the regulator if necessary.
Keep copies of all correspondence and note request reference numbers for appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • FOI and EIR response times are 20 working days in most cases.
  • Enforcement is via internal review then the regulator; monetary fines are not specified on the cited legislation pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Freedom of Information Act 2000, section 10 (time for compliance)
  2. [2] Environmental Information Regulations 2004, regulation 5 (access to environmental information)
  3. [3] Glasgow City Council - Freedom of Information (council contact and complaint routes)

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