Can I complain if my request is refused or I am dissatisfied with how it has been dealt with?

Yes. Initially you should contact the council’s Data Protection and Governance Officer to request an internal review. If, following the internal review, you are still dissatisfied you can complain to the Information Commissioner. Your options will be explained in our response to your request, together with contact addresses. For FOI complaints it is recommended that you do this as soon as possible and within two months of receiving our final response. For EIR complaints you should submit your complaint within 40 working days. We will carry out an internal review of an FOI complaint within 20 working days. Under EIR there is a legal requirement that internal reviews must be carried out as soon as possible and within 40 working days.