Date: 08/06/2009

Dear Natalie,

Re: Freedom of Information Request (1216)

Thank you for your request for the following information:

(a) Addresses and rateable values of empty commercial properties that are within TBC area and (b) the names of the owners of those properties referred to in (a)

The document enclosed has been supplied in response to your request for the

above mentioned information. We are only able to supply some of the information you have requested. Below is an explanation of what cannot be supplied and why. We hope the information supplied is helpful.

The information enclosed is as follows:

An excel spreadsheet showing: Commerical empty properties which includes properties that have been empty for either in excess of 3 months (code EPRN - non industrial properties) or in excess of 6months (code EPRI - Industrial properties) We have inserted the start date of the empty rate. The properties will have been empty either 3 months(non industrial) ot 6 months (industrial) prior to this date (an empty property has a 3 or 6 month exemption before an empty charge becomes due).

Unfortunately we are unable to provide the information you have requested in relation to private properties, as an absolute exemption applies.

The absolute exemption is as follows: The information is of a personal nature and disclosure of information would breach the data protection principles of the Data Protection Act. In particular the section 40(2) together with the conditions in section 40(3)a)(i) and section 40(3)(b) which provide exemption as it would breach the principle "that the data should be processed fairly and lawfully". Hence, we are unable to provide you with the name/address/postcode details in relation to each empty property. However, we are able to provide you with some summary data in relation to private empty properties - please see the information in the table below.

Empty and exempt non-domestic properties as at latest report 8 May 2009

If you are unhappy with the Council's response you can make a complaint via the

Council's complaints procedures and this will be looked into. If you are not happy with

this decision you may then appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Information supplied in response to your request is the copyright of Thurrock Council.

The information has been supplied for your personal use. Except for permitted acts

under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, the information supplied may not

be copied, distributed, published, or exploited for commercial purposes or financial gain

without the explicit written consent of Thurrock Council.

Yours faithfully

Nadine Cook

Nadine Cook

Senior Information Management Officer

Telephone (01375) 652590

Macro FOI.Supplied.letter

Macro FOI.Supplied.letter