Decision details

To review the Council’s use of powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

Matter for decision

The report presented a review of the City Council’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

Decision of the Leader

i.             Reviewed the Council’s use of RIPA as set out in paragraph 5.1 of the Officers report.

ii.            Noted and endorsed the steps described in paragraph 7.1 and Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report which ensured that surveillance was only authorised in accordance with RIPA.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Legal Services.

The Committee noted that the incorrect Executive Councillor had been referred to within paragraph 1.1 of the Officers report, the report should have referred to the Leader and Executive Councillor for Strategy and Transformation.

In response to Members’ questions the Head of Legal Services confirmed that no changes were proposed to the policy and the City Council had not used investigatory powers regulated by RIPA since February 2010.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Leader approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Leader (and any Dispensations Granted):

Not applicable.