Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Corporate Services

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the new Policy and Procedures Document for the Acquisition of Communications Data using The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) be approved.

2.    the Counter Fraud Unit be authorised to make any future amendments to the policy to reflect legislative changes, in consultation with appropriate Officers, including the Cabinet Member and Leader of the Council, and with One Legal.

The Cabinet Member Corporate Services introduced the report and explained that a new policy and procedures document for the acquisition of communications data using the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) had been drafted by the Counter Fraud Unit to provide transparency and guidance on the process.

He highlighted that a local authority may only acquire communications data for the purpose of the prevention or detection of crime or the prevention of disorder. He said that it was essential that these powers were used for the proper purpose and in the correct way; these policies and guidance would ensure that that happened and that elected members were kept fully informed. The powers could help the council reduce illegality and reduce potential financial loss by helping to support the prevention and detection of misuse of public funds and fraud.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the new Policy and Procedures Document for the Acquisition of Communications Data using The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) be approved.

2.    the Counter Fraud Unit be authorised to make any future amendments to the policy to reflect legislative changes, in consultation with appropriate Officers, including the Cabinet Member and Leader of the Council, and with One Legal.