How long do I have to deal with a PSI request compared to a FOI request?
A. Any FOI application must be dealt with first before re-use of the material can be allowed. Re-use cannot be granted unless access has been allowed. Under PSI Regulations public sector organisations have 20 working days in which to respond to requests (this may be extended in exceptional cases). There is scope for dealing with the two processes simultaneously to avoid delay. If the organisation is not responsible for both (for example, the licensing responsibilities of most Crown bodies are handled by HMSO) then they should notify the responsible body so that the two aspects can be considered concurrently (for example, when Government departments receive an FOI application indicating an intention to re-use, the department should notify the Office for Public Sector Information, which will consider the re-use aspects).
