Decision details

A report regarding the use of covert surveillance by the County Council, and reporting on proposed changes to the Corporate RIPA Policies. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 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.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 activity and authorisations are governed by Codes of Practice and Guidance issued by the Home Office and the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office.

Local authorities are also subject to regular inspections from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office.

Members are required to review the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 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 requirement to report to members.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation as set out in the report.