Property and Assets and Buildings

The request was partially successful.

Dear Organisation,

I would like to know a full list of Vacant Properties held by your organisation and any of its subsidiaries.

If possible their market value for sale or to let, whether they would be considered for a community asset transfer, if not then whether they are for sale or to let. In a clear and easy to read format. It would be supportive if the property is for sale or to let that it is listed on here too: https://e-pims.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/gove... and that you inform us of this intention or such listing in the request.

In the previous case in Voyias v IC and LB Camden (EA/201v1/0007), the requesters asked for substantially similar information, and the judge favoured disclosure. I appreciate the circumstances here are quite different, but the same principles should apply.

I understand there is a risk that your empty properties would be targeted by squatters should this the list of empty properties be public, but this is a very slim risk. The prejudice to law enforcement should be real, likely and substantial, as per Hogan v the ICO and Oxford City Council. I can assure you that my request is not sent in order to cause trouble for the authority, it is predominantly for my own research, with publication as part of campaigning materials. I am concerned at the sale of public assets, not a not an advocate for their illegal occupation. I would also say that I cannot imagine the disclosure of this list of properties to significantly affect a squatting problem that pre-existed my interest in the organisation. Overall the prejudice to law enforcement is very slim, and not severe. Since 12 months will be the time that this information will be released onto this site, unless others request this information separately. The requester is not liable for any issues that may arise in between or after.

It is in the public interest and transparency that this information is made publicly available under the public sector duty under the equality act allowing people to know of this information and make use of it under the Community Asset Transfer scheme and under the Human Rights Act Article 11 enabling the community to gather and make decisions on the allocation of such assets.

Yours faithfully,

Viran Patel

services, North Hertfordshire District Council

Thank you for your enquiry.

This has been passed to our Customer Service Team who will aim to respond
to your enquiry within two working days.

If the Customer Service Team are unable to respond to your enquiry it will
be passed to the appropriate service area for a response.

Yours sincerely
Customer Service
North Hertfordshire District Council
 
 

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North Hertfordshire District Council

Your Freedom of Information Act or Environmental Information Regulations
request

Dear Viran Patel,

Thank you for your written request for information, your reference number
AF84072810

Your request is being considered and a response will be provided within
the statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations. Note
that not all information is automatically provided, as information may be
subject to statutory exemptions or exceptions from disclosure (see below).

You might also wish to view the NHDC disclosure log of previous requests,
some of which may answer some, or all of your current query. The log can
be found on the NHDC website at http://www.north-herts.gov.uk/foi

If appropriate, the information may be provided in paper copy, normal font
size. If you require an alternative format (audio, Braille, large print)
or another language, please contact me with your requirements.

Our response will clearly indicate whether your request for information
has been handled under the Freedom of Information Act or under the
Environmental Information Regulations.

FOI/EIR legislation defines a number of exemptions/exceptions which may
prevent release of the information you have requested. There will be an
assessment of your request and if any of the exemptions/exceptions apply
then the information will not be released. You will be informed of the
exemptions/exceptions applied if this is the case, including your rights
to seek a review of the decision or appeal to the ICO.

If the information you request contains reference to a third party then
they may be consulted prior to a decision being taken on whether or not to
release the information to you. You will be informed if this is the case.

There may be a fee payable for this information, this will be considered
and you will be informed if any fees are payable. In this event the fee
must be paid before the information is processed and released. The 20
working day time limit for the responses is suspended until receipt of
payment.

Further information explaining the Council's process for responding to
information requests is available in our reception or on our website. If
you have any queries about the process of your request then please do not
hesitate to contact me.

If after receiving the response, you feel dissatisfied with the
information provided, or you disagree with a refusal decision, you have
the right to seek a review of the decision. We will accept a request for a
review up to 60 days after our response. After that date we consider the
case closed.

It is important that you include the above reference number when
communicating with Customer Services

Further information is also available from the Information Commissioner
at:
Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113 (or 01625 545745 if you would prefer not to call
an ‘03’ number, or +44 1625 545745 if calling from overseas)
https://ico.org.uk/

Thank you for your request.

Yours Sincerely

Information & Asset Team
North Hertfordshire District Council

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Freedom Of Information at NHDC, North Hertfordshire District Council

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Patel,
                Your request has now been processed and the information
that we hold is attached below.
       
 
Yours Sincerely
 
Garry
 
Garry Melding
Information and Assets Officer
Direct Dial: 01462 474216
North Hertfordshire District Council
DCO,
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 3JF
 
 
 

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