Purpose

To review and seek approval for the update to the RIPA Policy for North Northamptonshire Council.

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)       Approved the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) Policy at Appendix A;

b)       Approved the accompanying Guidance on the use of RIPA and IPA powers at Appendix B;

c)        Noted the positive assurance provided by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner following the 2026 review of the Council's RIPA arrangements, and the ongoing governance and oversight expectations identified by the Commissioner;

d)       Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Law and Governance, as Senior Responsible Officer, to make minor, operational or legislative amendments to the Policy and Guidance where these do not materially alter the Council's approach or governance arrangements

e)       Delegated annual oversight and assurance reporting of the Policy to the Audit and Governance Committee and the Monitoring Officer to update terms of reference of the Committee to incorporate this update.

Reasons for Recommendations – The above recommendations fulfil the Council’s statutory obligations to adopt a policy on the use of covert surveillance techniques and support that policy through the accompanying guidance.

The officers identified to approve the use of such techniques have been identified in accordance with guidance issued by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office, who are responsible for overseeing the use of these techniques.

Alternative Options Considered: In the event that the policy is not adopted, the Council may be unable to fulfil its statutory enforcement obligations and will be subject to adverse comments when inspected by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office. Failing to adopt a policy and guidance is not therefore considered a viable alternative option.