To receive a report from the Monitoring Officer setting out a review of the Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) policy.

                                                                                            (Report No:   37A)

Council is asked to approve the new version of the Council’s RIPA Policy and Procedure Document and notes the provision to remove the requirement for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to receive quarterly reports if RIPA powers are not used within the preceding quarter.

The report was approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee on 5 July 2017. 

Councillor Maguire proposed and Councillor Guney seconded the report of the Monitoring Officer setting out a review of the Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) policy.  (Report No:  37A)

NOTED

1.               That the Council was being asked to approve the updated procedure which included the removal of the requirement for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to receive quarterly reports if RIPA powers were not used within the preceding quarter.

2.               RIPA powers existed to aid the prevention and detection of crime.  There were strict guidelines on their use and the Audit and Risk Management Committee had the responsibility to monitor this and to ensure that the law is complied with on behalf of the Council.

3.               Councillor Neville agreed with the updated procedure, saying that RIPA powers were serious and should only be used sparingly.  The powers were invaluable, but it was essential to balance the rights of the majority against those on the other side. 

AGREED to approve the new version of the Council’s RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) Policy and Procedure document and to note the removal of the requirement for the Audit and Risk Management Committee to receive quarterly reports if RIPA powers are not used within the preceding quarter.