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Guildford Borough Council 

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Dear Arthur

1) The number of premises (this means hotels as well as any other premises
that have been repurposed) currently being used in the council area to
house asylum seekers/migrants/ those individuals waiting to be processed.
So far as we know, two premises are currently being used for asylum
seekers, although this council is not involved with housing asylum
seekers. So far as re-housing people whose claim for asylum has been
accepted, the council may have a duty under homelessness legislation to
assist them; however we do not hold information on the number of premises
used.

2) Please provide the number of individuals being housed in the council
area. Information not held.

3) Please provide the names of the premises being used to house these
individuals (if unable to provide this inform ation please proceed with
the rest of the request). I am withholding this information, as I believe
that disclosure of the names of premises being used to house asylum
seekers could potentially lead to these premises being targeted in some
way and could therefore endanger the safety of the residents. The Council
acknowledges the public interest in openness, transparency and
accountability. However, we believe that there is a stronger public
interest argument in withholding the information than disclosing it, due
to the potential safeguarding risks associated with disclosure. This
particular part of the request is therefore refused under s.38 (1) of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000. This states that 'Information is exempt
information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to-
(a) endanger the physical or mental health of any individual, or (b)
endanger the safety of any individual.'

4) The estimated annual cost to the council of housing and supporting
these individuals (if unable to provide this information please proceed
with the rest of the request). None so far as asylum seekers are
concerned. Information not held for other applicants.

Your right to ask for an internal review

I trust the above addresses your enquiry. However, if you do not agree
with the way I have dealt with your request, you may write to ask the
Council to review my decision. Another officer will carry out a review and
they will then write to you, letting you know whether they agree with my
decision or whether they have reached a different conclusion.

You should write to, Customer Services, Guildford Borough Council,
Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB ( [1][email address]). It is important
that you clearly state that you are asking for an Internal Review and
provide a copy of your correspondence with the Council about this request.
We recommend that you include the FOI reference number and "Internal
Review" in the email or letter header to help avoid delays.

Your right to appeal to the Information Commissioner

You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner if you
believe we have failed to meet our obligations to deal with your request
for information. Please remember that they will usually only consider
appeals after the Council has had the opportunity to carry out an internal
review. More guidance about your rights is available on the Information
Commissioner's website at [2]www.ico.org.uk.

Yours sincerely

David Newbery

Senior Compliance and Review Officer

References

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