Cardiff FOI: Timescales, Complaints & Reviews

Public Health and Welfare Wales 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

This guide explains how Freedom of Information (FOI) requests work for Cardiff, Wales, covering expected timescales, how to complain or request a review, and the routes to appeal.

If your request needs clarification, the council may contact you to narrow the scope.

Overview

Cardiff Council processes requests under the UK Freedom of Information framework and publishes guidance for requestors on its official pages.[1] The Information Commissioner pplies regulatory guidance and sets national expectations for response times and costs.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Key enforcement and penalties for FOI non-compliance are handled through regulatory notices rather than routine fixed fines for disclosure failures. Exact monetary fines and statutory penalties are not specified on the cited Cardiff Council FOI page; check the regulator for specific enforcement actions.[1][2]

  • Statutory response time: 20 working days for a valid FOI request, as set out in central guidance.[2]
  • Fees: requests are normally free but public authorities may apply cost limits for complex requests; see official guidance for the applicable limit.[2]
  • Enforcement: regulatory decisions and notices are issued by the Information Commissioner; Cardiff Council implements required remedies.
  • Complaint intake: the councilOI pages list how to submit requests and complaints to the authority.[1]
  • Appeals/reviews: if unhappy with the council ecision, request an internal review from the council, then complain to the Information Commissioner within statutory guidance timeframes.
Appeals normally start with an internal review request to the council before referring to the ICO.

Escalation and typical sanctions

The cited pages do not list specific escalating fine bands or daily penalties for FOI breaches on the Cardiff Council FOI page; for regulator powers consult the Information Commissioner page for enforcement options and examples.[1][2]

  • First/repeat offences: not specified on the cited Cardiff Council page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, requirements to disclose, and corrective action can be ordered by the regulator.
  • Court actions: if notices are not complied with, further legal steps are possible as described by the regulator.

Applications & Forms

How to make a request and what forms to use are described on the councilOI information page.[1] The national guidance explains cost limits and whether a fee may be charged for locating or preparing information.[2]

  • Form: the council provides online contact details and instructions for submitting an FOI request; see the council FOI page for the current submission method.[1]
  • Deadline: the statutory target is 20 working days from receipt of a valid request.[2]
  • Fees: normally none; costs may be applied where permitted by statutory cost limits and council policy.[2]

Action steps

  • Make your request in writing, clearly describing the information sought and including contact details.
  • Note the submission date and expect a response within 20 working days; follow up if you do not receive an acknowledgment.
  • If you receive a refusal or fee notice, ask for an internal review from the council within the timescale stated in the decision.
  • If dissatisfied after internal review, complain to the Information Commissioner using the regulator omplaints route.
Keep copies of emails and letters as they help with internal reviews and regulator complaints.

FAQ

How long does the council have to respond to an FOI request?
The usual statutory target is 20 working days for a valid FOI request; see national guidance for details.[2]
Can I appeal a refusal?
Request an internal review from Cardiff Council first, then if still unhappy complain to the Information Commissioner under the published regulator process.[1][2]
Will I be charged for an FOI request?
Most requests are free but cost limits and fees may apply in some circumstances; consult the council guidance and ICO cost guidance.[2]

How-To

  1. Check the Cardiff Council website and publication scheme to see if the information is already published.
  2. Draft a clear written request with specific dates, document titles or topics and include contact details.
  3. Send the request using the councilOI contact method listed on the Cardiff FOI page and note the submission date.
  4. If refused or charged, ask for an internal review from the council within the timescale given in the decision letter.
  5. If dissatisfied after internal review, submit a complaint to the Information Commissioner with copies of your correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • Expect a 20 working day response for a valid FOI request.
  • Make requests in writing and keep evidence of submission.
  • Use internal review first, then the Information Commissioner for unresolved complaints.

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