Is there a limit to the costs I have to incur?
There is no equivalent in the Environmental Information Regulations to the appropriate limit in the Freedom of Information Act. In other words, there is no specific cost limit above which you can refuse a request. You can refuse a request if it is manifestly unreasonable because it is exceptionally costly, but as with other exceptions in the Environmental Information Regulations, this is subject to a public interest test and there is a presumption in favour of disclosure.
Can I charge a fee?
You may charge a ‘reasonable amount’ for making environmental information available in response to a request. You cannot charge for allowing an applicant to access public registers or for allowing the applicant to come and inspect the requested information.
The Regulations do not define what is meant by a ‘reasonable amount’.
Authorities must publish their schedule of charges and information on when charges are made and make this available to applicants.
Our guidance on charging for environmental information explains what the Environmental Information Regulations say about charging for information and provides advice on what could be considered a reasonable amount.