LGA warning of overzealous surveillance

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The Local Government Association has warned councils not to use surveillance powers in an overzealous way

Sir Simon Milton (Con), chairman, has written to councils urging them to stop using surveillance powers for "trivial" issues - or risk losing them.

The call follows a raft of media stories citing councils using CCTV footage and other surveillance to tackle dog fouling and checking on the legitimacy of school applications under powers in the Regulation of Regulatory Powers Act 2000.

'Risk powers taken away'

In the letter, Sir Simon asked leaders to ensure the powers are only used after the most careful consideration by the appropriate senior councillor and manager and operations are "necessary and proportionate to prevent or detect a criminal offence", as stipulated in the act. 
 
He said it is wrong councils are being accused of using anti-terror powers to investigate local crime. But the LGA is concerned that employing the powers in a way which could be portrayed as overzealous risks councils being barred from using the powers by the government.

LACORS' support

The LGA, supported by the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services, said the powers are an important tool for councils to tackle fly tippers, rogue traders and those defrauding the council tax or housing benefit system.

Sir Simon said: "Without these powers, councils would not be able to provide the level of reassurance and protection local people demand and deserve."