Dear Ms Davis

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUEST

I am writing to confirm that I have now completed my search for the information you requested on 7 May 2009. I wish to advise you that some information cannot be provided. I am able to provide a list of empty properties and the ratepayer, where they are a limited company, but I cannot provide the rateable value of the property as well. This is because my computer software does not allow me to produce a report that gives both the name and address of the ratepayer and the rateable value of empty properties at the same time.

Please find attached a list of properties that are, or were until recently, empty.

I am only able to provide the information for limited companies and not for individuals because their information is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act under Section 41(1).

As I have provided the property reference number of the property on the report, you could go on to the Valuation Office Agencies website - www.voa.gov.uk - and follow the links for business rates where you can search under this reference to find the rateable value of the property in question.

If you have a complaint about the handling of your request you may ask for an internal review and you should submit this in writing to: Council Complaint, Blackpool Council, PO Box 50, Town Hall, Blackpool, FY1 1NA.

If you are not happy with the outcome of the review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. You can contact the Information Commissioner at: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF, (www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk).

If you have any queries about this letter you can contact me, or write to: FOI, Town Hall, Blackpool, FY1 1NA, or email us at [Blackpool Borough Council request email]. Please remember to quote your reference number when you contact us.

Yours sincerely

I E Fricker

Business Rates Team Manager

Business Services, Blackpool Council

Blackpool Council

Town Hall, Blackpool, FY1 1AD

Telephone: (01253) 477477