Cheshire East Council

The complainant has requested all current dog breeding and pet selling licences issued by Cheshire East Council. The Council disclosed the information, subject to some information being redacted under section 31(1)(a) (Law enforcement) and section 40(2) (Personal information). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council has correctly relied on section 31(1)(a) to withhold some of the information (namely, the number of permitted dogs), but is not entitled to withhold the remainder (namely, the name and address of the licensees) under either section 31(1)(a) or section 40(2). The Commissioner requires the Council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Disclose the name and address of the licensees, as recorded on the licences.