Issue - meetings

Report for decision.

ORDERED that the revised Surveillance Policy 2026/2027 be approved and the content of the report on use of surveillance powers in 2025 be noted.

The Mayor considered a report which presented the Surveillance Policy for 2025–2026. The report explained that, in accordance with the Statutory Codes of Practice under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), the Council was required to review its use of surveillance powers and update the policy at least annually. The policy provided a framework to ensure that any surveillance activity undertaken by the Council was lawful, necessary, proportionate, and compliant with human rights and data protection obligations. The review included minor amendments to reflect staffing changes, with no other substantive changes required.

OPTIONS

Although the Council should have had a policy that set out how it complied with RIPA, it could have decided not to have a policy covering both RIPA and non-RIPA activity. However, this was not recommended, as a single policy provided a coherent and systematic approach and was in line with the Council’s commitment to openness and transparency.

ORDERED that the revised Surveillance Policy 2026/2027 be approved and the content of the report on use of surveillance powers in 2025 be noted.

REASONS

The proposed policy would ensure that surveillance activity undertaken by the Council complied with its strategic priorities and statutory obligations, was lawful and that due regard was given to human rights and to data protection rights. A decision from the Mayor was sought as the agenda item was within their portfolio.