Decision details

To consider the annual review of the policy.

Arising from a report * of the Director of Corporate Affairs and Business Transformation, the Community Policy Development Group had recommended that the updated RIPA policy be approved and that the fact that the Council had not used its powers under RIPA since March 2014 be noted.

The Cabinet Member for the Working Environment and Support Services outlined the contents of the report stating that a few minor changes had been made to the policy following the restructure.  She explained amendments made to the legislation which only allow covert surveillance to take place if it applied to a matter that would involve a 6 month custodial sentence and the process required which would involve the authorisation of a magistrate.

Consideration was given to:

·         Any costs to the authority having to go through a magistrate – of which there were none.

·         The possible use of covert surveillance with regard to fly tipping

·         Whether other local authorities used covert surveillance for prosecution purposes specifically with regard to fly tipping.

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs M E Squires and seconded by Cllr R L Stanley)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.