Mr. A. Boyd.

Email:- request-30479-d1f475@what

Dotheyknow.com

Dear Mr Boyd,

RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

Thank you for your email dated 14^th April, 2010.

I have reviewed your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and my response is as follows:

Unfortunately, although the Council does hold information which could meet your request (for example, our Council Tax department holds certain information and our strategic housing department has a list of priority empty properties), we
would be unable to disclose any full "list" to you without substantially editing it. This is because, in respect of information concerning individuals, the names or the addresses of any individuals in the list would constitute personal data (in respect of which you are not the data subject). The disclosure of this information would, in my view, contravene the data protection principles. This information would therefore be exempt under section 40(2) of the Act.

The Information Tribunal considered the issue of the provision of lists of property addresses under the Act in England and the London Borough of Bexley and the Information Commissioner (EA/2006/0060 & 0066). Their decision in this case supports my conclusions. If you wish, I could ask our council tax department to create a list of all empty properties, and remove any which relate to individuals. This would leave a list of empty properties owned by companies.  Please let me know if you would like us to create such a list and I will arrange for it to be done as soon as possible.

Right to Review

If you wish to have this decision reviewed please write to the Director of Business outlining the points of your review.

If you are still not satisfied with the Council's decision following any review you may appeal the Council's decision to the Information Commissioners Officer, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire. SK9 5AF.

If you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact me directly on 01706 252438.

Yours sincerely,

Clare Birtwistle,

Acting Assistant Head of Legal.

BUSINESS DIRECTORATE

Democratic Services

The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, OL13 0BB

This matter is being dealt with by:
Name: Maureen Catlow

Telephone: 01706 252425

Email: maureencatlow@rossendalebc.gov.uk

Our reference: MC/FOI 699

Date: 20^th April,2010.