Response 1809193

Response to request for information

Reference

1809193

Response date

27 June 2023

Request

I am reaching out to kindly request a list of empty residential properties within the councils jurisdiction. My objective is to engage with the owners of these properties with a view to revitalising and potentially leasing them back to the council. This collaboration could facilitate the provision of much-needed housing for the homeless population, and subsequently contribute to reducing waiting lists for housing.

Such an initiative would not only benefit the individuals who are in dire need of shelter but also positively impact the community by improving neighbourhoods and potentially reducing crime rates associated with vacant properties.

I am hopeful that you share in the vision of creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all its residents. I would greatly appreciate any assistance or information you can provide in this regard.

Response

Thank you for your enquiry, We are unable to provide this as this data is exempt from FOI under section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Section 31(1)(a) says that we do not need to provide information that would be likely to prejudice the functions of law enforcement- the prevention and detection of crime.

Rushcliffe BC believes that releasing this information would increase the likelihood of : Empty properties being lived in by squatters. Squatting in a residential property is now a criminal offence. Empty properties being targeted by vandals or graffiti artists and stripped of materials such as roofing, cables or piping, or otherwise vandalised or damaged. Empty properties being targeted by criminals or terrorists for example allowing them

to hide or store the proceeds of crime, or criminal or terrorist materials

In the Information Tribunal Case No. EA/2011/0007 (Voyias and LB Camden), the Tribunal was satisfied that the evidence was that disclosing this information would have the effect of assisting at least some of those wishing to engage in squatting, leading to an increase in the this. Squatting in residential property is a criminal offence which shows the negative nature of squatting and crimes such as criminal damage that are often associated with it. In Voyias the Tribunal concluded that an increase in squatting would also lead to various categories of associated criminal activity. As a result the Tribunal found that section 31(1) (a) was engaged in that it was likely that disclosure of the disputed information would have a negative impact on the prevention of crime.