What is the time frame for a public authority to respond to an FOI request?

The correct answer is that a public authority is required to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within 20 working days, as stipulated by the Freedom of Information Act. This timeframe allows the authority sufficient time to assess the request, gather the relevant information, and process any necessary exemptions or redactions before providing a response to the requester.

The requirement for a 20-day response period promotes timeliness and transparency in public disclosure, ensuring that individuals can access information held by public authorities in a reasonable timeframe. This timeframe is critical for maintaining the public's right to know and fostering accountability among public bodies.

The other options present incorrect time frames that do not align with the legal requirements established by the FOI Act, as there is no provision for responses to be made in 10, 30, or 40 days within the standard framework of the Act.