Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 4, 2025

Purpose: The Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Policy must be considered by elected members annually to set the Policy and to ensure that if the Council is using its RIPA powers, it is doing so appropriately and complying with its own Code of Practice when carrying out covert surveillance. The Council has not exercised these powers for a number of years but must ensure that it has the appropriate policy and training in place should the need to arise to use them. The Policy was approved by members in January 2024. There have been no amendments since then.

Content: The Cabinet has considered a report setting out the Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Policy which must be considered by elected members annually to set the Policy and to ensure that if the Council is using its RIPA powers, it is doing so appropriately and complying with its own Code of Practice when carrying out covert surveillance, and has:-   (1) Noted that the Council has not exercised its RIPA powers since the last report.   (2) Approve the RIPA Policy/ Code of Practice for the forthcoming year.

Alternative options considered: None.