Colin Hughes, Solicitor introduced the report of the Director of Law and Governance which provided the outcome of an inspection on 21 May 2021 by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and detailed the recommendations of the inspection relating to data retention and security, which Committee approval was being sought to include within the Policy and Procedure Guidance on the Council’s use of covert surveillance.

The Committee was advised that the inspection was considering the Council’s use of powers granted by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to use covert surveillance to report criminals. The inspectors were reportedly satisfied with the training that was provided to officers which took place annually. It was reported that since December 2018, there had been three authorisations for covert surveillance granted by the Council and approved by the Magistrates Courts, including 2 instances for sale of tobacco to underaged people and 1 instance of fly tipping. The inspector was satisfied that the proper guidance had been given.

Resolved – That

1)  the contents of the report of the e Inspector appointed by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner on the use of covert surveillance by the Council be noted and the recommendations be adopted.

2)  the Policy and Procedure Document contained in Appendix 3 on the use of powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) as amended by the additional Section 12 on Data Security and Retention be approved.