An internal review looks at whether we met our obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) when handling your request.
It will only consider the information and circumstances known at the time of your request. It cannot consider whether you agree with the information disclosed or whether its content is correct.
An internal review may not be the right option if:
- you have follow-up questions after receiving a response – you should submit a new request
- the information is different from what you expected or you disagree with it – contact the team responsible for the information
- you need clarification – reply to the person who sent the response or submit a new request
If we interpreted your original request differently from what you intended, the review will consider whether that interpretation was reasonable. If it was, the review will not result in further information being disclosed. In these circumstances, you may prefer to submit a new request explaining clearly what you need.
Request a review
You have the right to request an internal review if you believe we have failed to comply with a requirement under EIR. You can also ask us to complete one where you believe we have failed to comply with our obligations under FOIA.
The review will normally be carried out by someone different to your original request. They will consider the circumstances that applied at the time of the request as part of their investigation.
If we do not uphold your complaint
If we do not uphold your complaint we will explain why. If it is upheld, we will explain:
- what went wrong
- how we will put it right
- when this will be completed
How to request an internal review
Instructions on how to request an internal review are included in our response to your original FOI or EIR request.
In most cases, you can request a review by replying directly to the decision email or by sending an email to:
Email: foi@luton.gov.uk
Submit your request for an internal review within 40 working days of receiving our response.
How long the internal review will take
We aim to:
- acknowledge your request for an internal review within three working days
- complete the review within 20 working days
In more complex cases, we may need more time. If so, we will contact you before the initial deadline to explain why.
If we need clarification from you before we can complete the review, we will contact you. The review timescale will not begin until we receive the clarification.
If you're not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review
If you remain unhappy after we have completed our internal review process, you can raise your concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).