Agenda item

To consider the report of the Legal and Democratic Services Manager.

Consideration was given to the report of the Legal and Democratic Services Manager as contained on pages 51–80 of the Book of Reports, the purpose of which was to provide an update on the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

The Chairman invited Kay Lovelady, Principal Solicitor, to present the report to the Committee on behalf of the Manager of Legal and Democratic Services. An overview of the Act was provided to Members. A desk top review by the Investigatory Powers Commission, only noted one minor amendment. Thanks were expressed to Judith Williams for her work over the last 12 months and for training, updating and keeping the process running smoothly in general. Will continue to provide verbal updates if the Committee agrees.

RESOLVED:

·         That it be noted that there have been no authorisations for the use of covert surveillance since the last meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee.

·         That the satisfactory outcome of a desk-top RIPA inspection, conducted by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, be noted

·         That the minor amendment to the RIPA policy (appendix 1), by the replacing of references to the "Chief Surveillance Commissioner" with references to the "Investigatory Powers Commissioner" be noted.