Issue - meetings

[Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council]

Cabinet will be asked to note the report which provides information on the Council’s use of its powers under RIPA.

The Leader introduced the report which provided information on the use of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). RIPA provides a statutory framework for public authorities to use cover techniques, such as surveillance, where necessary and proportionate, for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime.

In response to a question from Councillor Palmer, Fiona Alderman – Head of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) – advised that the Monitoring Officer role was the senior responsible officer for the use of RIPA powers and that any use of these powers was reported to the Council’s Statutory Functions Board and fed back to the Executive.

RESOLVED

1.         To note the use of RIPA by the Council as set out at paragraphs 6.14 to 6.16.

Reasons for decision

The RIPA codes of practice state that members should review the Council’s use of investigatory powers at least annually. Therefore, although the powers under RIPA have been used sparsely in recent years, it is nevertheless important for members to be aware of the extent of usage.

Alternative options considered

Not Applicable. If the Council’s use of investigatory powers was not noted, the Council would not be complying with the codes of practice and so this alternative has not been considered.