The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services on the Council’s use of the surveillance powers available to it under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (“RIPA”) during the financial year 2016/17 and provided an update on staff training on RIPA and the Council procedures relating to the use of social networking sites.

Resolved:

1. That it be noted that the Council has not used the surveillance powers available to it under RIPA between 1 April 2016 and the 31st March 2017 and neither has it used any covert human intelligence sources during this period.

2. That it be noted that training on RIPA for relevant staff was carried out on 5^th April 2017.

3. That the guidance issued by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners (OSC) on the use of social networking sites and how this is addressed at the Council, be noted.

Reason for Decision

To comply with the Home Office Codes of Practice re RIPA.

Other Options

None

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call in to: Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor:- Moring