The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) on the proposed revisions to be made to the Control Environment in respect of Risk Management, Counter-Fraud, Bribery & Corruption, Counter Money Laundering, Whistleblowing and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers. 

Resolved:-

1.    That the revised Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy set out in Appendix A to the submitted report (including the action plan included at Appendix A of that document) be approved.

2.    That the revised Counter Fraud, Bribery & Corruption Policy and Strategy (Appendix B), the revised Counter Money Laundering Policy & Strategy (Appendix C)  and the revised Whistleblowing Policy (Appendix D), be approved

3.    That the revised Policy and Procedures for undertaking Directed Surveillance and the use of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Appendix E) and also the detailed procedures for use of a CHIS as set out in the confidential Appendix F, (subject to the inclusion of an additional sentence under paragraph 7.2 in relation to the handling, storage and destruction of material obtained through the use of a CHIS) be approved.

4.    That it be noted that:

(a) The Council has not used the surveillance powers available to it under RIPA between 1 April 2018 and the 31st March 2019 and neither has it used any CHIS during this period.

(b)Thurrock Council has not used any such powers on behalf of Southend-on- Sea Borough Council when undertaking Anti-Fraud work between 1 April 2018 and 31st March 2019.

5.    That the staff training undertaken in 2018/19 and proposed training for 2019/20 in connection with RIPA, be noted.

6.    That the regulation of CCTV activities be noted.

Reasons for Decision

To comply with the Home Office Codes of Practice and the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Officer Guidance on RIPA.

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call in to: All three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Councillors Gilbert and Woodley