Decision details

To seek approval for the adoption of a revised corporate policy for the use of the powers available under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. The revisions consider the restructure of departments and senior officers at the Council and further clarification received from the National Anti-Fraud Network in relation to the processes for obtaining communications data.

Changes proposed in the revised policy include:

a)    The role of Senior Responsible Officer is assigned to the Assistant Director (Finance and ICT) and role of RIPA Co-Ordinator is assigned to the Audit Manager.

b)    The list of officers able to make applications and to be Authorising Officers has been updated.  Officers from within the Enforcement, Environmental Health and Community Safety teams have now been removed from the policy to reflect current working practices.

c)    Additional guidance is provided in relation to the Use of Social Media in investigations in response to this focus by the Investigatory Practices Commissioner’s Officer (IPCO).

d)    The terminology in relation to Communications Data now reflects the latest guidance received from the National Anti-Fraud Network.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) – Corporate Policy and Procedures attached at Appendix A to the report be approved.