The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) informing and updating Members on the issues relevant to the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 and developments that have taken place since the last report to Cabinet in March 2020 (Minute C122/Mar/20 refers).
The submitted report stated that the RIPA 2000 enabled local authorities to carry out certain types of surveillance activity, as long as specified procedures were followed; the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016 was the main legislation governing the acquisition of communications data; the information obtained as a result of surveillance operations and acquisitions could be relied upon in court proceedings providing RIPA and IPA were complied with; and that no RIPA directed surveillance applications or communications data applications had been authorised since the last report to Cabinet.
Particular reference was made to the Inspection by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office on 14 August 2020 and the comments and observations made by the Inspector.
RESOLVED - (a) That the developments that have taken place since March 2020, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.
(b) That Cabinet continue to receive further reports on the Council’s use of 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.?????