FOI Request 2099

This was extensively consulted on as part of the introduction to our Community Risk Management Plan 2024-2028 which can be found on our website (community_risk_management_plan_2024-28.pdf). Page 34 provides a full explanation. 

A video which explains their role was also produced as part of the consultation process and is available on our Youtube channel here:  Community Risk Management Plan 2024-28: Proposals 2, 3 and 4 - YouTube

Re: Call signs 

Firstly, I can confirm that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) do hold the information relating to your request. 

However, after careful consideration the following exemption has been applied and we are unable to release the information. 

Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires CFRS, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide you with a notice which:

c) states (if that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption applies.

Section 24 – National Security.

Section 24 (1) allows CFRS to withhold information if it considers that releasing the information would make the UK or its citizens more vulnerable to a National Security threat. CFRS considers withholding call signs necessary for the purposes of safeguarding National Security.

Harm in providing the Information held.

A response under Freedom of Information is deemed to be a response to the world at large and in a time of global terrorism CFRS recognise that terrorists can be highly motivated and may go to great lengths to gather intelligence, and seemingly harmless information can be pieced together. Certain web-based services publish all online meaning that any information supplied is not restricted as it can be accessed by everyone. 

Factors favouring supplying information held. 

We acknowledge there is a public interest in knowing what appliances CFRS hold and further details pertaining to those appliances.

Factors against supplying information held.

A disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a disclosure, not just to the individual, but to the world at large. As such we need to consider if the information being requested is suitable for public disclosure, as any disclosure under FOIA puts that information into the wider public domain. CFRS must consider what the information provided could be used for by anyone with a malicious intent. With the knowledge of what call sign are assigned to what appliance individuals with malicious intentions could seek to divert key resources or take out key resources leaving CFRS with potential problems in resourcing a larger or more serious incident and jeopardising public safety.