Purpose

To seek approval from Cabinet
for the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 –
Partnership Policy for South and East Lincolnshire Councils
Partnership following consideration at Policy Development
Panel.

Decision

1)   
That the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 - Partnership
Policy be approved;
2)   
That the Assistant Director Regulatory / Senior
Responsible Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be
given delegated authority to make such amendments to this policy as
may from time to time be required in order to (i) reference any links or amended links to other
documents as may be required; and (ii) reflect any issues over
which the Council has no discretion including, but not limited to,
references to any legislative changes and amended guidance. Any
material amendments to the policy would be subject to the usual
approval process in line with the Constitution.

Reasons for the decision

·      
To ensure that Members were aware of the duties
imposed on the Council by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers
Act 2000 and the requirement to adopt a Policy that was up to date,
relevant and fit for purpose.
·      
To ensure Members were
informed about RIPA activity, policy and procedures demonstrates
good governance and an organisational commitment to the obligations
imposed by RIPA on public bodies

Alternative options considered

·      
To retain independent, sovereign policy to meet the
obligations imposed by RIPA on South Holland District
Council.
·      
This option had not been explored as economies of
scale, efficiencies and shared learning could be optimised by
harmonising our approach to RIPA across the Partnership. This sub
regional approach also accorded with the objectives set out in the
Memorandum of Agreement and the Business Case for the
South and East Lincolnshire Councils
Partnership.