London Borough of Bexley

The complainant requested addresses of empty properties in the Borough, the reasons the properties are empty, and information about ownership. The Council released some statistical information in respect of the total number of empty properties in the borough and the reasons the properties are empty, but withheld the remainder of the information under section 31 of the Act on the basis that its release would prejudice the prevention of crime. The Commissioner found that the exemption under section 31 had been incorrectly applied to the addresses of empty properties in the borough. However, the Commissioner also found that information in relation to ownership is exempt from disclosure under section 21 of the Act because it is reasonably accessible to the complainant by other means. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2006/0060 & EA/2006/0066 allowed.