FOI Requests in Cardiff - 20 Working Days Guide

Technology and Data Wales 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Cardiff, Wales residents and businesses can request recorded information from Cardiff Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). Cardiff Council follows the statutory FOI process, including the standard 20 working days statutory timescale for responses. This guide explains what to include in a request, how the council handles timescales and exemptions, what enforcement options exist if a response is late or incomplete, and where to send complaints or appeals.

Overview

FOI requests must ask for recorded information held by the council; requests need not mention FOIA by name but should be clear and specific about the information sought. The council may refuse requests that exceed cost limits or that are otherwise covered by exemptions. For central guidance on the 20 working days timescale and enforcement powers, see the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance and Cardiff Council’s FOI pages.Cardiff Council FOI[1] ICO FOI guidance[2]

Requests are normally answered within 20 working days unless an exemption or extension applies.

Penalties & Enforcement

Cardiff Council is the primary enforcer for handling requests; the national regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), can investigate complaints and issue decision or enforcement notices where public authorities fail to comply. The statutory timetable is 20 working days from receipt, subject to any valid extension under the Act or where third-party consultation is required.[2]

  • Statutory response time: 20 working days from receipt unless an exemption or extension applies.
  • Enforcer: Cardiff Council handles initial requests and the ICO handles reviews and enforcement.
  • Appeals: internal council review followed by complaint to the ICO; time limits for ICO complaints are not specified on the cited page.
  • Monetary penalties: specific fine amounts for FOI non-compliance are not specified on the cited pages; the ICO may issue enforcement notices.
    Monetary fines for FOI non-compliance are not set out on the council FOI page.

Escalation and sanctions available under FOIA and ICO processes typically include internal review, ICO decision notices, enforcement notices and in limited cases prosecution for deliberate obstruction or destruction of records. The council page and ICO guidance describe decision and enforcement processes but do not list fixed local fine amounts for FOI breaches.[1][2]

Applications & Forms

Cardiff Council publishes an online FOI request page where you can submit a request and find contact details. The council provides instructions on how to make a request and where to send it; specific form names or fees are not listed as mandatory on the cited page, and no fee is generally required for making an FOI request unless costs exceed the appropriate limit under section 12 (cost of compliance).[1]

  • How to apply: use the council’s online FOI page to submit a request or follow the contact details published on that page.[1]
  • Fees: no standard fee to make a request; charges may apply where work exceeds the cost limit (section 12) and specific fees are not detailed on the cited page.
  • Submission: follow the submission method set out on the council FOI page; the page includes contact and form guidance.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Late response or no response within 20 working days — outcome: internal review and possible ICO complaint.
  • Improper refusal citing exemptions without justification — outcome: ICO decision notice requiring release or upheld exemption.
  • Destruction or concealment of records to avoid disclosure — outcome: potential criminal investigation; specific penalties not listed on the cited pages.
If the council refuses a request, ask for an internal review before contacting the ICO.

Action Steps

  • Be specific: describe records, dates and formats needed.
  • Note the receipt date: the 20 working days clock starts from when the council receives the request.
  • Keep records: save your request and any council responses for appeal purposes.
  • If unsatisfied, request an internal review, then complain to the ICO if needed.[2]

FAQ

Who can make an FOI request to Cardiff Council?
Any person or organisation can request recorded information held by Cardiff Council; there is no requirement to be a resident.
How long will the council take to respond?
Cardiff Council aims to respond within 20 working days from receipt, subject to exemptions or extensions.
What if I don’t get a satisfactory response?
Request an internal review from the council and, if still dissatisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

How-To

  1. Prepare a clear written request describing the records and timeframe you need.
  2. Submit via the council’s online FOI page or the contact route provided on that page.[1]
  3. Note the date of receipt and wait up to 20 working days for a response.
  4. If refused or late, ask for an internal review; then complain to the ICO if unresolved.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Standard statutory timescale is 20 working days.
  • Use the council’s FOI page to submit requests and follow its internal review route.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Cardiff Council - Freedom of Information
  2. [2] Information Commissioner’s Office - Guide to FOI

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