Why this answer
What actually matters
- Public holidays and weekends affect the calculation.
- Some statutory extensions/special rules can apply in defined circumstances.
- Use the FOI deadline calculator for the specific receipt date.
What you could say
Keep the response tied to the actual rule.
Evidence
What to have beside you
- The exact request or complaint and date received
- Any acknowledgement, extension or refusal notice
- The statutory route or policy the body says applies
- Documents showing the decision, chronology and requested remedy
If they still refuse
Move the dispute forward.
- First identify whether this is a service complaint, statutory appeal, FOI/EIR review or data-protection matter.
- Use the correct internal review/complaint stage before the relevant ombudsman or regulator where required.
- Do not let a generic complaints process displace a statutory appeal or review route that has its own deadline.
Read the full rules