FOI Timelines - 20 Working Days in Cardiff

Environmental Protection Wales 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Introduction

Cardiff, Wales public bodies must handle Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information requests under national rules while using local procedures for receipt, logging and internal review. This guide explains the commonly applied 20 working day response expectation, how to make a valid request to Cardiff Council, what to do if deadlines are missed, and where to appeal. It is aimed at residents, journalists and businesses seeking timely access to official information from Cardiff public bodies, and points to the council and regulator pages for official procedure and contact details.

Understanding the 20 working day rule

The statutory framework used by most UK public authorities expects responses to FOI requests within 20 working days from receipt; Cardiff Council sets out how it handles requests and its internal timescales on its FOI page Cardiff Council FOI guidance[1]. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) explains the statutory duty and typical timescales, including when extensions may apply under exemptions or complex requests ICO guidance on FOI[2].

Public authorities commonly use 20 working days as the response target.

Making a valid FOI request to Cardiff public bodies

To be valid, an FOI request should be clear, in writing (email or letter), and include sufficient detail to locate the information and a contact address for the response. Cardiff Council sets out its accepted formats and contact points on its FOI page Cardiff Council FOI guidance[1].

  • Make requests in writing by email, post or online form as specified by the authority.
  • Give precise dates, subjects and file types where relevant to speed processing.
  • Expect a 20 working day response unless an exemption or internal review extends the timeline.

Penalties & Enforcement

Cardiff Council’s public FOI pages describe complaint and review routes but do not list fixed fines for missing response deadlines; specific monetary penalties for FOI non-compliance are not specified on the cited Cardiff page Cardiff Council FOI guidance[1]. The ICO enforces FOI compliance through decision and enforcement notices and explains appeal routes to the First-tier Tribunal; precise penal sums for FOI failures are not set out on the council page and depend on the regulator’s remedies rather than routine fixed fines ICO guidance on FOI[2].

  • Fines/financial penalties: not specified on the cited Cardiff Council page; ICO enforcement remedies may apply in individual cases.
  • Escalation: initial internal review, ICO decision notice, then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal; specific escalation fine ranges are not listed on the council page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: ICO enforcement notices, decision notices ordering disclosure or other steps; possible publication of decisions.
  • Enforcer and complaint route: Information Commissioner’s Office for failed internal reviews; Cardiff Council’s FOI contact handles internal complaints and review requests.
If you miss the 20 working day response, request an internal review promptly and consider contacting the ICO if unsatisfied.

Applications & Forms

The Cardiff Council FOI page lists how to submit requests and contact information; where a dedicated online form exists use that, otherwise submit by email or post as instructed on the council page Cardiff Council FOI guidance[1]. Fees are generally not charged for FOI requests, though charges for costs of copying or exceeding cost limits may apply under statutory rules; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited Cardiff page.

  • Form name/number: Cardiff FOI request form or written request as per council guidance; form identifier not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited Cardiff page; statutory cost limits and charging rules apply in certain cases.
  • Submission: follow the contact details and form links on the Cardiff Council FOI page.

Action steps

  • Draft a clear written request with contact details and relevant dates.
  • Submit via the Cardiff Council method shown on its FOI page and note the date of receipt.
  • If you receive a refusal or no response, request an internal review, then complain to the ICO if unsatisfied.
  • Keep records of communications and any fees quoted.

FAQ

What is the statutory response time for FOI requests?
The commonly used statutory response expectation is 20 working days from receipt; Cardiff Council and the ICO set out their procedures on their FOI pages.[1][2]
How do I make a request to Cardiff Council?
Submit a written request using the council’s FOI contact or online form as described on the Cardiff Council FOI page; include a clear description of the information sought and contact details.[1]
What can I do if Cardiff Council does not respond?
Ask for an internal review, and if still dissatisfied complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office and consider appeal to the First-tier Tribunal following ICO decision guidance.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the information you need with dates, subjects and relevant departments.
  2. Use the Cardiff Council FOI form or send a written request to the contact on the council FOI page.
  3. Note the date of receipt and allow 20 working days for a response unless the council notifies an extension.
  4. If refused, ask for an internal review within the council; if unsatisfied, complain to the ICO and follow their appeal guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • 20 working days is the standard response expectation for FOI requests in Cardiff.
  • Make requests in writing and keep clear records of dates and contacts.
  • Use internal review, the ICO and the Tribunal for escalation if needed.

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