S.Smith

[FOI #9222 email]

Dear S.Smith

Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Request for Information

I am writing about your recent request for information held by the Council under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which was received on 11^th March 2009. The answers to your questions about Directors and Officers are set out below.

1) Members of the Free Masons?

Yes - one recorded

2) Required to declare their membership on their declarations of

interest form?

Yes currently

3) Please name all staff who are members of the Free Masons?

Part of the information that you have requested has not been released. The information with regard to the named individuals has been withheld under subsection 2 of Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However I can confirm the job title of the individual concerned - Operational Controller, Community Safety Unit.

4) Any penalty for non-compliance?

This would be proportionate to the detriment (if any) to the business. If there was no detriment or impact to the business then it is unlikely that there would be a penalty. If it could be shown that there was some prejudicial interest which could have been avoided if the declaration had been made then there would be a disciplinary issue.

I trust that this information gives you what you require.

If you wish to object to my decision in the first instance you may do so by writing to Council's Head of Corporate Law at London House, 5/11 London Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8HR.

Should you remain dissatisfied you can appeal against the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.

Yours sincerely

Dena Smart

Head of Human Resources

t 01622 602712 f 01622 602728e [email address]

Jm/pf/correspond/2004/standard letter templates/acknowledgement of request