FOI response times and compliance

Request data on how well the authority handles freedom of information requests.

Public bodies are required to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days. This data shows how many requests an authority receives and whether it is meeting its legal obligations.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of FOI and EIR requests received. 2. The number of requests responded to within the statutory 20 working day deadline. 3. The number of requests where a fees notice was issued. 4. The number of requests refused in full or in part, broken down by the exemption or exception relied on. I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Any Scottish public authority. Find the right authority on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • The Scottish Information Commissioner publishes annual statistics on FOI performance. Check the Commissioner’s website for the latest published figures before submitting your request.
  • The Scottish Information Commissioner expects authorities to respond to at least 95% of requests on time (the law itself requires an answer to every request within 20 working days). If the authority falls below this, it is worth investigating further.
  • If the authority says it does not record this data, that itself is significant. The Commissioner expects public bodies to keep adequate records of their FOI performance.