FOI Requests for Registers of Interests - Cardiff

Utilities and Infrastructure Wales 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Cardiff residents and journalists can request registers of interests for councillors and senior officers in Cardiff, Wales under the UK Freedom of Information framework. Requests are normally handled as Freedom of Information (FOI) requests; the statutory time limit for a public authority to respond is 20 working days.[1] Councils commonly publish some registers online but you may need to make a formal request for full or updated records, or where a specific register entry is needed.

What registers are commonly available

Typical registers include councillors' declarations of interest, gifts and hospitality logs, and senior officer declarations. Availability varies by authority and by whether information is personal or otherwise exempt from release.

Check Cardiff Council's FOI and publication pages first for published registers.

Penalties & Enforcement

Cardiff Council is subject to FOI obligations and enforcement by the Information Commissioner and related oversight bodies. Specific monetary fines for a council's failure to disclose registers are not specified on the cited Cardiff FOI guidance page; enforcement normally follows complaint and review routes rather than fixed local fines.[2]

  • Statutory response time: 20 working days from receipt for FOI requests.[1]
  • Enforcer: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) handles complaints and may issue decision notices and orders; further enforcement guidance is available from the ICO.[3]
  • Fines/financial penalties: not specified on the cited Cardiff FOI guidance page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: information notices, decision notices, and orders to disclose or review a refusal.
  • Appeals/review: request an internal review from Cardiff Council, then complain to the ICO if dissatisfied; see ICO complaints procedures for timing and form requirements.[3]
If you receive a refusal, request an internal review promptly and note the ICO complaint deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Cardiff Council accepts FOI requests by the channels listed on its FOI guidance and publication pages; where a specific council form exists it is published on the council site. If no specific form is published you may submit a clear written request by the contact routes the council provides.[2]

How to request registers of interests

  • Identify the register you want (e.g., councillors' declarations, gifts and hospitality).
  • Make a clear FOI request in writing to Cardiff Council, including a contact email or postal address and a description of the information sought.
  • Use the contact route on Cardiff Council's FOI page if available; keep a copy and note the date of submission.[2]
  • Expect a response within 20 working days; if the council refuses or withholds material request an internal review.
Be specific about names, dates and the type of register to speed processing.

Common refusals and exemptions

  • Personal data redactions where disclosure would breach data protection rules.
  • Information withheld where a statutory exemption applies (public interest tests may be applied).
  • Practical refusals where information is not held or is already published in part.

Action steps

  • Step 1: Check Cardiff Council's published registers and FOI guidance.
  • Step 2: Submit a clear FOI request to the council with contact details and a precise scope.
  • Step 3: If refused, request an internal review and, if still dissatisfied, complain to the ICO.

FAQ

Who holds registers of interests in Cardiff?
Registers are held by Cardiff Council and by individual councillors; some records are published online while others may require an FOI request.
How long will a council take to reply to my FOI request?
The statutory time limit is 20 working days from receipt of the request.[1]
What if Cardiff Council refuses to release a register?
You can request an internal review from the council and then complain to the Information Commissioner if you remain dissatisfied.[3]

How-To

  1. Locate the council’s FOI or publication pages to check if the register is already published.
  2. Draft a written FOI request stating exactly which register and years you need, and provide contact details.
  3. Send the request by the council’s stated FOI channel and note the submission date.
  4. If refused, ask for an internal review, then file a complaint with the ICO if the review is unsatisfactory.

Key Takeaways

  • FOI requests must normally be answered within 20 working days.[1]
  • Check Cardiff Council’s published registers first to avoid unnecessary FOI requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Freedom of Information Act 2000, section 10 (time for compliance)
  2. [2] Cardiff Council - Freedom of Information guidance and publication scheme
  3. [3] Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) - making an FOI complaint

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