Report of the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) presented a report advising the Committee which set out the findings of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner following his recent inspection and asks the Committee to endorse the actions taken to implement the Commissioner’s recommendations.  The report also provided information on any activities which had been authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (“RIPA”).

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:             

To comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

The decision:

That:-

(1)       the position in respect of the inspection by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office is noted;

(2)       the steps taken to comply with the Commissioner’s findings are endorsed and the Council’s updated RIPA Guide to Practice and Procedure Policy and Central Record of Authorisations are approved;

(3)       it be noted that no RIPA authorisations were made by the Council during the period 22 January 2020 to 20 October 2020; and

(4)       the frequency of the RIPA activity reports is reduced from quarterly reports to six-monthly reports.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted a report advising the Committee that the Council, like many public authorities, was governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).  This Act ensured that public authorities complied with their obligations under the Human Rights Act when undertaking investigations which might interfere with the rights of individuals.  The Act introduced safeguards on activities such as surveillance undertaken by public bodies.  The Committee had now been given responsibility for RIPA matters.  This would involve the Committee reviewing the Council’s Policy Statement from time to time and receiving quarterly reports on any activities which had been authorised under RIPA.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:             

To comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

THE DECISION:

That it be noted that no RIPA authorisations were made by the Council during the period 24 July to 22 October 2019.