Report No.11/2019 was received from the Strategic Director for Resources.

Mr Hemsley, Leader of the Council, introduced the report, the purpose of which was to present an updated Regulation of Investigation Power Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy for approval.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         The Policy updates brought the Council into line with regulations.

·         External lawyers or senior police officers were the usual providers of training for the RCC officers who had oversight for RIPA.

·         The public should be made aware of any overt surveillance.

·         By its very nature any covert surveillance did not need to be advertised but authorisation should be obtained using RIPA guidelines.

DECISION:

1.    Cabinet APPROVED the Regulation of Investigation Power Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy shown in Appendix A.

Reasons for the decision

1.    Regulation of Investigatory Powers Policy ensures that the Authority acts in a way that is consistent with the requirements and provides a clear framework for the Council to work to.