Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

It is a fallacy to say that the Act was never intended to apply to local authorities. There are particular provisions within the Act which regulate how Councils conduct certain types of surveillance. Their purpose is to ensure a balance between the conduct of investigations where local authorities have a legitimate role e.g. housing benefit, fraud, unlawful tipping or infringement of licensing laws and any consequent intrusion into an individual's private or personal life.

It is that balance which is at the forefront of the Council's policy. The Policy has recently been revised and any comments in connection with it should be addressed to the Director of Corporate Services. The Policy is due to be reviewed in October 2011 or earlier if legislative changes occur.