Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the Council's use of it's powers pursuant to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

RESOLVED – that the Council’s use of, and compliance with the requirements of, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 be noted.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Better Housing and Safer Streets presented the annual report on the Council’s use of investigatory powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The report outlined that powers had been used lawfully, proportionately and only where necessary to support enforcement activities such as tackling rogue trading and illegal sales, as well as wider criminal activity affecting local communities.

It was noted that the use of RIPA powers remained limited, with only a small number of applications made during the reporting period and no use of covert human intelligence sources.

Cabinet Members recognised the importance of balancing enforcement with appropriate safeguards, ensuring that all activity was necessary, proportionate and justified, and subject to appropriate oversight and training.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group noted that, whilst governance reports such as this could often be seen as technical in nature, they were nonetheless essential. He emphasised the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance between the use of investigatory powers and safeguarding individual rights, referencing the need to ensure that such powers were exercised lawfully, proportionately and in the correct manner. He added that, when used appropriately, these powers could play an important role in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, while avoiding any risk of overreach.

The Leader of the Conservative Group acknowledged the importance of the report and despite some initial reservations regarding the use of test purchasing operations involving young people, he was reassured that appropriate safeguards were in place to ensure there would be no repercussions for those involved. He recognised the need for such measures in addressing issues such as the illegal sale of vaping products, alcohol and cigarettes to minors and emphasised that this represented a careful and necessary balance between effective enforcement and the protection of individuals.

RESOLVED – that the Council’s use of, and compliance with the requirements of, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 be noted.