Extension of time
7.—(1) The period of 20 working days referred to in–
(a)regulation 5(2)(a);
(b)regulation 6(2)(a); and
(c)regulation 13(a),
may be extended by a Scottish public authority by a further period of up to 20 working days if the volume and complexity of the information requested makes it impracticable for the authority either to comply with the request within the earlier period or to make a decision to refuse to do so.
(2) Where paragraph (1) applies the Scottish public authority shall notify the applicant accordingly as soon as possible and in any event no later than 20 working days after the date of receipt of the request for the information.
(3) Notification under paragraph (2) shall–
(a)be in writing;
(b)give the authority’s reasons for considering the information to be voluminous and complex; and
(c)inform the applicant of the review provisions under regulation 16 and of the enforcement and appeal provisions available in accordance with regulation 17.