Exempt accommodation
Dear Blackpool Borough Council,
This is a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
This request concerns “exempt accommodation”. The UK Parliament defines this as: “Supported housing which is exempt from certain Housing Benefit provisions. It is a sector which houses more marginalised groups with support needs, such as recent prison leavers; care leavers; those fleeing domestic violence; and homeless people with substance dependence or mental health issues.”
I understand that housing benefit for people in “exempt accommodation” is paid by the council directly to landlords.
I would like to request the following information:
(1) Please state how much housing benefit has been paid by the council directly to landlords to provide “exempt accommodation” for those in receipt of the benefits. Please provide the figures for each of the past three financial years (2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21), as well as any available data for 2021/22.
(2) Please provide a list of the 20 landlords that have received the highest amount in housing benefit from the council for providing “exempt accommodation” for those in receipt of the benefits. Again, please provide this information for each of the past three financial years (2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21) as well as any available data for 2021/22. For each year, please (a) provide the landlord’s full name or company name, (b) state the total amount they received from the council in each year.
I would like to highlight how the Information Commissioner’s Office has previously ruled that this type of information should be disclosed. For example, in 2015, the ICO held that Torbay Council was not entitled to withhold the names of landlords who have directly received the largest amounts of housing benefit. In 2014, the ICO also ruled that Halton Borough Council was wrong to withhold similar information.
I would like to receive the data in an Excel format. If you feel that a substantive response to this request is not possible within a reasonable timeframe, I would be grateful if you could contact me and provide assistance as to how I can refine the request. If you need any clarification, please contact me.
I look forward to receiving a response in 20 working days. Many thanks.
Yours faithfully,
Jenna Corderoy
Dear Ms Corderoy
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – INFORMATION REQUEST
Thank you for your request for information that we received on 11/02/2022. Your request is being dealt with under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
You will receive the information you have requested within the statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act, subject to any exemptions that may apply.
You should note that the Act defines a number of exemptions that may prevent disclosure of the information you have requested. If any of the exemption categories apply, the information will not be disclosed. If there are references to a third party, they may be consulted prior to a decision being made on whether or not to disclose the information. You will be informed if either of these is applicable, including your rights of appeal.
There may be a fee payable for this information. If this is the case, you will be informed in writing and a ‘Fees Notice’ will be issued. The fee must be paid before the information is processed and disclosed. The 20 working day time limit for responses will commence on receipt of the payment if a fee is applicable.
If appropriate, the information will be provided in paper copy, normal font size. If you require another format, e.g. audio, large print, translation or CD, please let me know.
If you have any queries you can contact me or write to: FOI, PO Box 4, Blackpool, FY1 1NA, or email us at [email address]. Please remember to quote your reference number when you contact us.
Kind regards
Information Governance Team
Governance and Partnerships | Blackpool Council |Number One| Bickerstaffe Square |Talbot Road |Blackpool |FY1 3AH
Post to: Blackpool Council | PO Box 4 | Blackpool | FY1 1NA
T: 01253 477477
E: [Blackpool Council request email]
Dear Ms Corderoy
Please see response letter attached.
Kind Regards
Information Governance Team
Governance and Partnerships | Blackpool Council |Number One| Bickerstaffe Square |Talbot Road |Blackpool |FY1 3AH
Post to: Blackpool Council | PO Box 4 | Blackpool | FY1 1NA
T: 01253 477477
E: [Blackpool Council request email]
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