Decision details

a)    that the minor updates made to the policy in order to take account of new job titles for Directors and Services Managers, as well as other minor drafting amendments be noted.

b)    that the amended Ashfield District Council Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy and guidance, as attached as an appendix to the officer’s report be approved.

c)    that it be noted that the Council has been authorised to carry out one covert surveillance operation pursuant to the RIPA powers in the past 12 months.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To comply with the current Code of Practice and Council Policy that requires that Members are updated on any RIPA authorisations made on an annual basis.

To ensure that the Policy remains up to date and fit for purpose.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REASONS FOR REJECTION

The alternative was not to report to Members and not to make the minor policy changes. This alternative course of action was not recommended as it could put the Authority at risk of challenge for breach of Policy and leave the Policy containing out of date information.