The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO requires the BBC to provide the complainant with a response to the request within 30 calendar days, fulfilling its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

This decision highlights the importance of adhering to statutory deadlines for responding to FOI requests. Public authorities, including the BBC, must ensure their internal processes are robust enough to meet these timelines. Failure to comply with the ICO's directive could lead to further regulatory action. Compliance officers should review their organization's FOI response procedures to ensure timely action.