Decision details

The Cabinet Member with Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) informing Members of the issues relevant to the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and developments that have taken place since the last report to Cabinet in September 2019 (Minute C41/Sep/19 refers).

The submitted report stated that RIPA 2000 enabled local authorities to carry out certain types of surveillance activity, as long as specified procedures were followed; the information obtained as a result of surveillance operations could be relied upon in court proceedings providing RIPA was complied with; the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016 was now the main legislation governing the acquisition of communications data; and detailed the RIPA directed surveillance applications and communications data applications, that had been authorised since the last report to Cabinet.

RESOLVED - (a)  That the developments that have taken place since September 2019, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

(b)  That Cabinet continue to receive further reports on the Council’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and other associated issues.

REASONS - (a)  In order to ensure that the Council complies with the legal obligations under RIPA, IPA and national guidance.

(b)  To help in giving transparency about the use of RIPA and IPA in this Council.?????