Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed.

The Chief Executive submitted a report informing Committee of the Council’s usage of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and the result of the position in respect of the 2023 inspection.

RIPA allowed the Council to carry out directed surveillance and/or use covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) lawfully if it is authorised in accordance with the provisions of RIPA. Committee was informed that the Council had not used its RIPA powers within the last 12 months to date.

In July 2023, the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office had requested information in order for them to consider the Council’s RIPA arrangements. The Council had submitted the information and received confirmation on 3 November 2023 that the Council had provided assurance and as such no further inspection was required at that time.