Reference:
Request detail:
I'm doing some academic research about the risks of fire brigades in UK. A key area of risk that we would like to explore is insurable risk. Could you please provide details of your vehicle insurance and life insurance along with a scanned copy of the policy booklet containing the terms and conditions of the policy?
Response detail:
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request.
Zurich Municipal is Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) insurance provider. SFRS are withholding the insurance policy, premium, the sum assured, term and conditions of the vehicle insurance for fire engines and life or accident insurance for your employees under Section 43(2) – Commercial Interests
Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides a qualified exemption from disclosure where the information requested is a trade secret or the release of information is likely to prejudice the commercial interests of any person (a person may be an individual, a company, this public authority itself or any other legal entity). A qualified exemption requires the SFRS to undertake a ‘public interest test’ to assess whether the public interest in withholding the information is greater than the public interest in releasing it. Accordingly, SFRS has undertaken the required Public Interest Test.
It is in the public interest for SFRS to be open and transparent in the spending of public money, however SFRS believes there is a strong public interest argument that Section 43 (2) exemption should be maintained to allow organisations to compete fairly and without undue advantage. Disclosing the information could harm the ability of the provider to participate competitively. This would create an unfair competitive advantage for competitors. Disclosing the information could represent a breach of commercial confidentiality.
Having considered the public interest test, SFRS’s decision is, therefore, to withhold the information.
If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can complain or request an internal review of the decision. This must be done within 40 working days of receiving this response. You can do this by writing to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, St. Michael’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2HJ or email: enquiries@shropshirefire.gov.uk.
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.gov.uk
