FOI & EIR Requests - 20 Working Days Cardiff
Cardiff, Wales residents and businesses can request recorded information from Cardiff Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). This guide explains how to make a valid request, the 20 working day response standard, common outcomes, and routes to challenge refusals. It summarises who enforces compliance, what sanctions or orders may follow, and step-by-step actions to apply, pay applicable fees, or escalate a dispute. Where official council or regulator pages are relied on, links and citations are provided so you can verify forms, contacts and timescales; official pages are current as of February 2026 unless a last-updated date is shown on the source.
How to make a request
To make an FOI or EIR request to Cardiff Council, describe the information sought clearly and provide contact details. Cardiff Council accepts requests in writing and provides guidance on submission methods on its FOI pages[1]. For EIR requests mention that the information sought concerns environmental information to ensure the EIR route is followed. State a reasonable timeframe for records if relevant, and keep a copy of your request for records.
Penalties & Enforcement
Cardiff Council’s FOI/EIR pages and the Information Commissioner set the administrative framework for compliance; specific monetary fines for FOI non-compliance are not detailed on the Cardiff Council FOI page and must be checked with the regulator[1]. The statutory response time under FOIA and EIR is 20 working days for most requests; exceptions and extensions are governed by the regulations and ICO guidance[2].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited Cardiff Council FOI page; ICO enforcement actions described on the regulator pages rather than fixed FOI fines.
- Escalation: initial decision notices by the ICO; further court application possible if statutory notices are not followed (details not specified on the Cardiff page).
- Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, enforcement or practice recommendations by the ICO; orders to release information or to take specified steps.
- Enforcer and complaints: the Information Commissioner enforces FOI/EIR compliance; contact and complaints procedure is on the ICO and Cardiff Council pages[2].
- Appeals/time limits: internal review requests should be made promptly to the council; complain to the ICO after the internal review or after 20 working days if no satisfactory reply (ICO guidance provides steps and timescales).
Applications & Forms
Cardiff Council provides guidance on how to submit requests and contact points on its FOI pages; an online form may be available and requests can usually be sent by email or post—consult the council page for the exact form name or email address used for requests[1]. Fees: the council may charge a fee under EIR or where the FOI cost limit is exceeded; specific fee amounts or a downloadable form are not consistently itemised on every council page and should be checked on the cited council pages.
- Required content: specify name, contact details and a clear description of the information requested.
- Deadlines: standard response is 20 working days from receipt unless an extension applies under the regulations.
- Fees: where charges apply the council will advise and provide payment instructions; specific fees are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Late response: cause for internal review and ICO complaint; outcome often a decision notice ordering release.
- Unlawful refusal citing an exemption: may be overturned by an ICO decision notice.
- Incomplete disclosure: ICO can require disclosure of withheld data if a decision notice finds against the council.
Action steps
- Prepare: identify records, date ranges and formats required, and keep a clear copy of your request.
- Submit: send your request via the council’s published method and note the date received.
- Track: allow 20 working days for a response; request an internal review if dissatisfied.
- Escalate: if internal review is unsatisfactory, complain to the ICO following the regulator’s published procedure.
FAQ
- How long does Cardiff Council have to respond to an FOI or EIR request?
- Cardiff Council should respond within 20 working days for most FOI and EIR requests; complex cases may be subject to statutory extensions—see ICO guidance for specifics.[2]
- Do I need to use a form to make a request?
- No single form is mandatory for FOI; Cardiff Council accepts written requests and may offer an online form—check the council’s FOI pages for submission options.[1]
- What can I do if the council refuses my request?
- Request an internal review from the council and, if still dissatisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner following the ICO procedure.
How-To
- Identify precisely the recorded information you want and relevant dates or departments.
- Send a written request to Cardiff Council using the contact method on the council FOI page and keep a copy of your request.[1]
- Wait up to 20 working days for a response; if no reply or an unsatisfactory reply, ask the council for an internal review.
- If the internal review is unsatisfactory, submit a complaint to the Information Commissioner following ICO guidance.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Allow 20 working days for responses under FOIA/EIR.
- Make requests in writing and keep records of submission.
- If refused, use internal review then complain to the ICO.
Help and Support / Resources
- Cardiff Council - Freedom of Information
- Cardiff Council - Contact us
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)