FOI Request - Smoke Nuisance Complaints
Request 101003748571
1. The number of complaints received about smoke nuisance in the last 10 years (please provide a year-by-year breakdown from 2015 to 2025.)
2. If recorded, the identified source of the smoke nuisance complaints (e.g., wood burners, bonfires, barbecues, grills, industrial sources, agricultural activities, or other specified sources).
3. Any available data on enforcement actions or resolutions taken in response to these complaints.
4. Whether your local authority has issued any public guidance, restrictions, or policy changes related to smoke nuisances in recent years.
5. Has the local authority received any complaints specifically citing health concerns (e.g., respiratory issues, aggravation of asthma, or other medical conditions) due to smoke nuisance?
a. If so, what was the cause of the smoke nuisance noted? (e.g., wood burners, bonfires, barbecues, grills, industrial sources, agricultural activities, or other specified sources).
If it is not possible to provide the information requested, please provide details of any recorded data that falls within the scope of this request.
Response 15-04-2025
1.
| Year | Number of complaints |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 to date | 2 |
| Grand total: | 232 |
2. The source of the smoke nuisance complaints is not recorded in an easily identifiable manner. To answer this question would require checking every record and this would cost the Council in excess of £600. In accordance with section 12 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, excessive cost, we are therefore unable to comply with your request.
3. The information requested is available on the Moray Council website. This information is therefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_86203.html
The Abatement Notices are stored under Public Health.
4. No
5. To answer this question would require checking every record to identify if health concerns had been cited. This would cost the Council in excess of £600. In accordance with section 12 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, excessive cost, we are therefore unable to comply with your request.