Freedom of Information request - Fire Watch Requirements for Council Maintained Properties
Case reference FOI2026/00513
Received 21 May 2026
Published 17 July 2026
Request
Response
In accordance with section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), which relates to the duty to confirm whether requested recorded information is held, Oxford City Council (OCC) confirms that it holds information within the scope of your request.
Having considered the nature and contents of the requested communications, OCC has concluded that the information is exempt from disclosure under section 31(1)(a) and section 38(1)(b) of the FOIA.
This response therefore constitutes a refusal notice under section 17 of the FOIA, which relates to the requirement for a public authority to identify and explain any exemption relied upon when withholding requested information.
Section 31(1)(a) of the FOIA relates to law enforcement and provides that information is exempt where its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the prevention or detection of crime.
The communications falling within the scope of your request contain discussions relating to fire safety risks, building-specific vulnerabilities, interim risk-control measures, operational arrangements, recommendations made by fire safety professionals and the rationale for implementing Fire Watch arrangements within residential properties managed or maintained by OCC.
Disclosure would reveal details of fire safety weaknesses, mitigation measures and operational responses within identifiable buildings. OCC considers that placing this level of information into the public domain would be likely to increase the risk that building vulnerabilities or interim safety arrangements could be exploited or circumvented. This would be likely to prejudice OCC’s ability to prevent or detect unlawful or criminal activity affecting those buildings, their residents and the safety measures in place.
OCC has considered whether the requested information could be disclosed in part or with redactions. However, the substantive information concerning identified risks, building vulnerabilities and the measures introduced to address those risks is contained throughout the relevant communications. OCC considers that disclosure of that information, including in a partially redacted form, would still be likely to reveal or enable inferences to be drawn about the sensitive matters described above.
OCC recognises the significant public interest in transparency and accountability concerning fire safety in Council-managed properties. Disclosure could assist residents and the wider public in understanding the circumstances in which Fire Watch arrangements were introduced, the advice received by OCC and the measures taken to protect residents.
There is, however, a strong public interest in ensuring that detailed information about building-specific vulnerabilities, fire safety weaknesses, interim risk controls and operational responses is not made publicly available where disclosure would be likely to facilitate the exploitation or circumvention of those arrangements.
There is also a public interest in ensuring that the OCC and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service can continue to exchange detailed information openly and effectively about identified risks, deficiencies, mitigation strategies and proposed remedial action. Such exchanges are important to the effective management of fire safety and the protection of residents.
Having considered the competing factors, OCC has concluded that the public interest in maintaining section 31(1)(a) outweighs the public interest in disclosing the requested information.
Section 38(1)(b) of the FOIA relates to health and safety and provides that information is exempt where its disclosure would, or would be likely to, endanger the safety of any individual.
The requested communications contain detailed information about fire safety concerns, building vulnerabilities, interim safety measures and the operational arrangements introduced to manage identified risks.
OCC considers that disclosure of this information would be likely to increase the risk to residents, contractors, emergency responders and other individuals occupying, visiting or attending the relevant properties. Revealing building-specific weaknesses and the measures currently in place to manage them could undermine the effectiveness of those measures and increase the potential for harm.
The application of section 38(1)(b) is not based simply on the information being related to fire safety. It is based on OCC’s assessment that disclosure of the particular building-specific and operational information would be likely to endanger the safety of individuals.
OCC recognises the public interest in openness about fire safety matters, particularly where the information concerns residential properties and measures introduced to protect residents. Transparency can support public confidence, enable scrutiny and provide reassurance that fire safety risks are being addressed.
However, there is a substantial public interest in protecting residents and others from avoidable risk. Disclosure of detailed information about vulnerabilities, risk-control measures and operational responses could reduce the effectiveness of those arrangements and increase the risks to people living in or attending the affected properties.
OCC has also taken account of the importance of allowing fire safety professionals and responsible authorities to discuss risks, deficiencies and appropriate mitigation measures candidly and effectively. Maintaining the confidentiality of genuinely sensitive operational information supports the safe and effective management of those risks.
Having considered the competing factors, OCC has concluded that the public interest in maintaining section 38(1)(b) outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
In accordance with section 16 of the FOIA, which relates to the duty to provide reasonable advice and assistance, OCC has provided links below to general information about its approach to fire and building safety.
OCC’s Fire Safety Policy is available at:
https://www.oxford.gov.uk/council-housing/council-housing-fire-safety-policy
Information about building safety in OCC housing is available at:
https://www.oxford.gov.uk/building-safety-council-housing
OCC’s Building Safety Resident Engagement Strategy is available at:
Information about the high-rise block fire evacuation procedure is available at:
https://www.oxford.gov.uk/building-safety-council-housing/high-rise-block-fire-evacuation-procedure
These links provide general information about OCC’s approach to fire safety, resident engagement and building safety arrangements. They do not include the detailed building-specific vulnerabilities or operational information withheld under sections 31(1)(a) and 38(1)(b).
If you disagree with any part of the response to your request, you are entitled to ask the Council for an internal review of the decision(s) made. You may do this by writing to the Monitoring Officer, by either email monitoringofficer@oxford.gov.uk – or by post to Monitoring Officer, Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX. After the result of the internal review, if you remain dissatisfied, you may ask the Information Commissioner to intervene on your behalf. You may do this by writing to the Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
Yours sincerely,
Freedom of Information Officer
| Freedom of Information Team | Law & Governance | Oxford City Council | Town Hall | St Aldate’s | Oxford | OX1 1BX |
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