Decision details

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) provides a framework for certain public bodies, including local authorities, to use "covert surveillance" to gather information about individuals without their knowledge for the purposes of undertaking statutory functions in connection with the prevention or detection of crime.

RIPA activity and authorisations are governed by Codes of Practice and Guidance issued by the Office for Surveillance Commissioners (OSC) and the Home Office.

Local authorities are also subject to regular inspections from the OSC.

Members are required to review the use of RIPA and set the policy at least once a year. Elected members cannot be involved in decisions on specific authorisations, but have oversight of the process via the reporting requirement to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Ian Young, Director of Governance, Finance and Public Services,  presented a report setting out details of the requirement for Cabinet to review, on an annual basis, the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and set the policy.

It was noted that RIPA provided a framework for certain public bodies, including local authorities, to use covert surveillance to gather information about individuals without their knowledge for the purposes of undertaking statutory functions in connection with the prevention or detection of crime.

It was further noted that in Lancashire, there had only been three authorisations in the last 12 months, all in relation to Trading Standards activity. In each case, as is required by the regulations, the authorisations were granted by both the council and Magistrates.

Resolved: That the updated corporate policy as presented be approved with immediate effect.