Decision details

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services presented the report, which enabled Members to review the Council’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (as amended) (RIPA) for the period 1st January to 31st December 2022; the Council’s use of the Acquisition of Communications Data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) for the same period; and the proposed amendment to the Corporate Policy and Procedures Document on The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The Deputy Leader thanked the Director for the report and noted that whilst there was no use of authorised surveillance during the period, it remained a very useful tool within the Council’s armoury, if needed. The Deputy Leader was pleased to note that the test purchasing for underage alcohol and tobacco sales was back in place.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the content of the report;

2.    To acknowledge that investigatory powers in respect of covert surveillance and acquisition of communications data have been used in an appropriate manner that is consistent with the Council’s RIPA and IPA policies during the period 1^st January – 31^st December 2022; and

3.    To approve the amendment to Appendix 1 of the Corporate Policy and Procedures Document on The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).