Agenda item

That the revised policy and guidance be approved and that the RIPA activity during 2016 be noted.

The Commissioner for Regulation & Consumer Protection and the Head of Consumer Protection & Business Compliance introduced a report that sought approval for the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) policy and updated Members on the activity during 2016.

It was noted that the surveillance powers under the Act were rarely used, but they were essential to enable the Council to investigate and enforce where appropriate to protect residents and businesses from the impacts of crime.  The powers had only been used once in 2016.  The policy set out a clear process to grant such powers and no major changes were proposed to the previously agreed policy.

After due consideration, the Cabinet approved the revised policy and noted the activity report.

Resolved –  That the revised policy and guidance be approved and that the RIPA activity during 2016 be noted.