Request FOI & EIR Information - Cardiff Council

Civil Rights and Equity Wales 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

This guide explains how to request information from Cardiff, Wales under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). It covers where to send requests, statutory deadlines, what to include, complaint and appeal routes, and which Cardiff Council team deals with information requests for council services in Cardiff, Wales. Use this page to prepare a clear, valid request and to understand your rights if a request is refused or delayed.

Clearly say whether you are requesting under FOI or EIR and give specific dates, locations or contract references where possible.

What laws apply

Requests for recorded information about council functions are handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and environmental requests under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. The FOIA and EIR set the legal response times and grounds for refusal; internal review and complaint routes are provided by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). [3] [2]

How to make a valid request

  • Be clear and specific: describe the information you want, date ranges and relevant services.
  • Include a contact method (email or postal address) for replies and any format preference (e.g., PDF).
  • State whether the request is under FOI or EIR if you know which applies.
  • If you want data redacted or restricted, explain why; the council will advise if exemptions apply.

Penalties & Enforcement

Cardiff Council must follow FOIA and EIR procedures when handling requests. The statutory response time for straightforward requests is 20 working days for both FOIA and EIR unless an exemption or extension applies. This time limit is set out in the governing legislation and ICO guidance. [3] [2]

  • Monetary penalties for failure to comply: not specified on the cited Cardiff Council page; enforcement and any monetary penalties are described by the ICO. [1] [2]
  • Escalation: internal review first, then complaint to the ICO; specific fine amounts or per-day fines are not stated on the Cardiff Council resource. [1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the ICO can issue enforcement notices requiring disclosure, and the courts can order remedies or penalties under the statutory regime. [2]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: complaints about information rights decisions are handled by the Information Commissioner’s Office; Cardiff Council’s FOI team handles first-stage requests and internal reviews. [1] [2]
  • Appeals and time limits: request an internal review from the council if you are unhappy with the response, then complain to the ICO; ICO guidance notes a three-month timescale for making some complaints. [2]
If the council claims an exemption you should ask for an internal review before contacting the ICO.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Late response (beyond 20 working days) - outcome: internal review and ICO complaint; monetary amounts not specified on council page. [1]
  • Unlawful refusal citing exemptions incorrectly - outcome: ICO investigation and possible enforcement notice. [2]
  • Failure to provide environmental information under EIR - outcome: ICO action and mandatory disclosure orders. [2]

Applications & Forms

Cardiff Council publishes guidance and contact details for making FOI and EIR requests on its Freedom of Information web pages; the council indicates how to submit requests, whether by online form, email or post. Specific form names or reference numbers are not listed as standard on that page. [1]

Action steps

  • Draft a clear request with scope, dates and preferred format and send it to the council’s FOI contact as shown on the official FOI page. [1]
  • Allow 20 working days for a response; if you receive a refusal ask for an internal review promptly. [3]
  • If internal review does not resolve the matter, submit a complaint to the ICO (see ICO complaint guidance). [2]
Council FOI pages usually explain whether an online form, email or postal address is preferred.

FAQ

How long will Cardiff Council take to answer my FOI or EIR request?
The statutory timescale is 20 working days for both FOI and EIR requests unless an exemption or extension applies; this is set out in the governing legislation and ICO guidance. [3] [2]
Do I have to pay to make a request?
Most requests are free; fees or charges are limited and may apply where the council uses cost thresholds or charges for copies. Specific fee amounts are not detailed on the Cardiff Council FOI summary page. [1]
What if the council refuses my request?
Ask for an internal review from Cardiff Council and, if unsatisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office for independent investigation. [2]
Keep copies of all correspondence and note the date you submitted the request.

How-To

  1. Identify whether your query is for FOI (recorded public authority information) or EIR (environmental information).
  2. Write a single clear request describing the information, date ranges and preferred format.
  3. Send the request to the Cardiff Council FOI contact or online form as set out on the council FOI page. [1]
  4. Wait up to 20 working days for a response; if the council needs more time they must explain why and give a revised timescale. [3]
  5. If refused, request an internal review from the council within the timescale stated in their refusal letter, then complain to the ICO if still dissatisfied. [2]

Key Takeaways

  • FOI and EIR give you rights to recorded council information in Cardiff, usually answered within 20 working days.
  • Start with an internal review at Cardiff Council before escalating to the ICO.
  • Keep requests specific and retain all correspondence and dates for any appeal.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Cardiff Council - Freedom of Information and Access to Information
  2. [2] Information Commissioner’s Office - Guide to Freedom of Information
  3. [3] Legislation.gov.uk - UK legislation gateway (FOIA and EIR texts)

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data