FOI Response Times in Cardiff - 20 Working Days

Labor and Employment Wales 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Cardiff, Wales residents and organisations may request recorded information from Cardiff Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Requests are normally processed within the statutory 20 working day limit; the council publishes its FOI procedures and contacts for requests and reviews.[1][2]

How the 20 working day limit works

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 a public authority must comply promptly and in any event within 20 working days of receipt unless a statutory extension applies; calendar and working-day rules are set out in the primary legislation and guidance.[2]

If you need large datasets, say so in your request to help the council triage the work.

What to include in an FOI request

  • Clear description of the information sought and date ranges where applicable.
  • Your name and a contact address or email for the council to reply.
  • Whether you want copies or to inspect records and preferred formats.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies for non-compliance are administered by the Information Commissioner, who may issue decision notices and require disclosure or other remedial steps; specific fine amounts for FOI response failures are not set out on the Cardiff Council FOI page and are addressed by the ICO and primary legislation.[1][3]

  • Monetary fines for FOI failures: not specified on the cited Cardiff Council page; see ICO and legislation for enforcement powers.[3]
  • Time-limit escalation (first, repeat, continuing failures): not specified on the cited Cardiff Council page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: decision notices, enforcement notices and orders issued by the Information Commissioner are the primary remedies.[3]
  • Enforcer: Information Commissioner Office (ICO) enforces FOI; Cardiff Council handles intake, initial responses and internal reviews.[1]
  • Inspection, complaint and contact pathways: contact Cardiff Council FOI contacts or submit an ICO complaint after an internal review or refusal.[1]
  • Appeals/review: request an internal review from Cardiff Council; if unresolved, complain to the ICO (time limits for ICO complaints: see ICO guidance).[3]
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions and internal reviews can lawfully limit disclosure (exemptions are applied per the Act and ICO guidance).
The statutory 20 working day compliance period is set out in the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Common violations and usual outcomes

  • Late or missing responses - council internal review and ICO decision notices may follow; monetary amounts not specified on the Cardiff page.
  • Improper refusal citing exemption without justification - likely ICO review and potential decision notice.
  • Failure to preserve requested records - remedy through complaint to ICO; disciplinary or legal consequences depend on facts and are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

Cardiff Council publishes guidance on how to make an FOI request and provides a contact route for requests; an online request form or an email contact is indicated on the council FOI page, but a formal national form number is not shown on that page.[1]

Action steps

  • Draft your request clearly, include dates and preferred format, and send it to Cardiff Council’s FOI contact.
  • Note the 20 working day deadline and record the date the council received your request.
  • If refused, ask for an internal review in writing within the council’s stated timescale.
  • If unsatisfied after internal review, complain to the Information Commissioner; check ICO guidance for complaint time limits and procedures.[3]

FAQ

How long does Cardiff Council have to respond to an FOI request?
Normally 20 working days from receipt, as set out in the Freedom of Information Act 2000.[2]
What if Cardiff Council refuses my request?
You should ask for an internal review from Cardiff Council and, if still dissatisfied, you may complain to the Information Commissioner.
Are there fees for making an FOI request?
Most FOI requests are free; where charges apply for copying or disbursements the council will set out the fees, or they may rely on cost limits in the Act (check the council page for details).[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the recorded information you need and the relevant date range.
  2. Find Cardiff Council’s FOI contact or form and prepare a clear written request including your contact details.[1]
  3. Send the request and note the date of receipt; expect a response within 20 working days under the Act.[2]
  4. If refused, request an internal review from the council in writing and retain copies of correspondence.
  5. If still unresolved after internal review, submit a complaint to the Information Commissioner following ICO guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • The statutory deadline for FOI responses is 20 working days.
  • Start with an internal review at Cardiff Council before contacting the ICO.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Cardiff Council FOI pages and contacts
  2. [2] Freedom of Information Act 2000, section 10
  3. [3] Information Commissioner Office - FOI guidance

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