FOI Request - Vacant Commercial Units

Request 101003830605

1. I would like to make a freedom of information request for any data you hold on the number of vacant retail and commercial units within the local authority. Ideally this information would be broken down by location, for example a town centre or high street.

2. In addition if you have comparative data over the past 5 years this would also be helpful.

Response 25-08-2025

1. Disclosing the addresses of empty commercial properties could increase the risk of criminal activity being targeted at those houses. This information is therefore exempt under section 35(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) 2002; prejudice to the prevention or detection of crime. It is not considered in the public interest to release this information and it is deemed that there is a risk of substantial prejudice to the prevention of crime if this information were to be released.

However, in order to be helpful please see below a link to a webpage where vacant properties are advertised: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_41894.html

2. Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.