Issue - meetings

Cllr John Noeken, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented a report which sought adoption of revised Corporate Policy and Procedures Documents in relation to the conduct of surveillance operations by Council Officers in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

It was noted that the Council already had a robust procedure in place for use of RIPA powers.  This proposal brought the existing policy in line with the latest statutory requirements and responded to recommendations from an audit inspection. Responsibility for oversight of the Policies was proposed to be to be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources with any significant changes being referred to Cabinet for approval as necessary.

Resolved:

a)            To note the contents of the report.

b)           To adopt the revised Policy and Procedures with immediate effect.

c)            Responsibility for oversight of the Policies be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources with any significant changes being referred to Cabinet for approval as necessary.

Reasons for decision

Wiltshire Council is statutorily required to have a RIPA policy in place.  We have had a policy in place since at least 2004.  The Office of Surveillance Commissioners (OSC) carry out inspections of Local Authority RIPA processes on a regular basis to ensure compliance with RIPA legislation.

This proposal will revise the Wiltshire Council RIPA Policy to bring it in line with recent amendments to that legislation and to adopt recommendations made by the OSC at the last inspection.