Issue - meetings

Report by Director of Law and Assurance.

The Committee is asked to review and endorse a revised and updated policy for the Council’s use of specific investigation powers available for types of enforcement work for which the Council is responsible.

8.1        The Committee considered a report by the Director of Law and Assurance (copy appended to the signed minutes).

8.2        Mrs Henshaw, Principal Solicitor, introduced the report and explained that the powers were not used often, but required updating to align with new guidance.

8.3        The Committee made comments including those that follow.

•    Queried the changes from the previous version.  – Mrs Henshaw explained that the changes concerned social media.  A tracked changes version could be provided if required.

•    Asked if there had been any issues with the policy being out of date.  – Mrs Henshaw was not aware of any issues with the original policy.  Whilst the policy was not used often, it was important to take the opportunity to ensure it was up to date.

•    Sought clarity on the usage of the policy.  – Mrs Henshaw confirmed that the main use was trading standards.

•    Queried what the sign off would be for uses other than trading standards.  – Mrs Henshaw confirmed this would be through the Chief Executive and the Director of Law and Assurance.

8.4        Resolved – That the Committee endorses the revised policy for the governance and control of the Council’s exercise of the powers available to it under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and that the Director of Law and Assurance be authorised to maintain and update the policy in line with changes to law or Codes of Practice or future inspectorate recommendations.

Report by Director of Law and Assurance.

The Committee is asked to review and endorse a revised and updated policy for the Council’s use of specific investigation powers available for types of enforcement work for which the Council is responsible.