FI16923
Request
- The number of residential properties that have been recorded as empty for: a) More than 6 months b) More than 12 months
- Where available, a list of these properties including: o Full address OR o Street name and partial postcode (if full address cannot be disclosed)
- The date each property was recorded as becoming empty (or the length of time empty)
- Any classification used (e.g. privately owned, council-owned, etc.)
- Details of any schemes, initiatives, or support currently in place to bring empty properties back into use, including eligibility criteria (e.g. loans, grants, leasing schemes)
Response
1. As follows:
2.The information you have sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act. The Section 31 exemption is a qualified exemption and subject to the public interest test. Identifying properties that are empty could make them vulnerable to illegal activities such as illegal occupation or other forms of anti-social behaviour which would not be in the interest of the owners or nearby residents of the properties. In view of this, Dover District is unable to provide details of empty properties due to concerns about the potential for squatting and criminal damage which might occur if addresses of empty properties were in the public domain. In all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
3. The information you have sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act for the reasons stated above.
4. The information you have sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act for the reasons stated above.
5. Kent County Council have a no use empty scheme that covers our District. Further information can be found at: https://www.no-use-empty.org.uk/