If an organisation does not provide the information you asked for, first ask it to review its decision. For environmental information the regulations set the time limits: write within 40 working days, and the authority must reconsider free of charge.

If a public body refuses or ignores your request

If an authority misses the deadline, refuses without good reason or withholds too much, there is a set route to challenge it.

1. Ask for a review

If an organisation does not provide the information you asked for, first ask it to review its decision. ¹

For environmental information the regulations set the time limits: write within 40 working days, and the authority must reconsider free of charge. ²

2. Complain to the Information Commissioner

If you are still not satisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner's Office for bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and UK-wide bodies, or appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner for Scottish public authorities. ¹

3. Appeal to the tribunal

You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) if you think an ICO decision notice is wrong. You have 28 days after the ICO sends its decision; if you are late you can ask for more time and explain why. ³

Send the tribunal's form with the ICO's decision notice and any other relevant documents. The tribunal may ask to see the withheld information before deciding. ³

Sources

gov.uk/api/content/make-a-freedom-of-information-request, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/3391/pdfs/uksi_20043391_en.pdf, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy
gov.uk/information-rights-appeal-against-the-commissioners-decision, read 4 November 2026 · saved copy

More ways to hold power to account

This guide explains the rules; it is not legal advice. Report an error.