Agenda item

Report of the Managing Director

The Cabinet Member with the Efficiency and Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) updating Members on issues relevant to the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000; developments that have taken place since the last report to Cabinet in July 2018 (Minute C34/Jul/18 refers); and requesting that consideration be given to approving a revised RIPA Policy (also previously circulated), taking into account recent developments.

The submitted report stated that the RIPA Policy had been amended to account of revised Home Office Codes of Practice dealing with RIPA; legislative changes affecting authorisations for juveniles used as Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS); and to reflect the change of the strategic regulator for RIPA. 

RESOLVED – (a) That the developments that have taken place since July 2018, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

(b) That the RIPA Policy, as appended to the submitted report, be approved.

(c) That further reports on the use of RIPA and associated issues, be submitted to further meetings of Cabinet.

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

(b) To ensure that the RIPA policy and procedures remain up to date and reflect legislative change and revised Codes of Practice.

(c) To help in giving transparency about the use of RIPA in this Council.