Council spying shows 'misunderstanding'
- Published: 23 July 2008 12:59
- Author: Simon Ellery
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- Last Updated: 23 July 2008 13:12
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More than 500,000 official 'spying requests' were made last year, according to government records.
A report by the chief surveillance commissioner and the interception of communications commissioner Sir Paul Kennedy reveals that local authorities made 1,707 requests.
Sir Paul said that some councils "displayed a serious misunderstanding of the concept of proportionality".
Chairman of the Local Government Association, Sir Simon Milton defended council's use of the powers.
"Parliament clearly intended that councils should use these powers, and generally they are being used to respond to residents' complaints about fly tippers, rogue traders and those defrauding the council tax or housing benefit system. Time and again, these are just the type of crimes that residents tell us that they want to see tackled.
Powers 'innapropriate' for trivial matters
"Whilst it is a matter for each council to determine for its area, our advice remains that, save in the most unusual and extreme of circumstances, it is inappropriate to use these powers for trivial matters. The leaders of the four political groups at the LGA also do not consider dog fouling or littering as matters which fall within the test of 'necessary and proportionate'.
"The LGA and LACORS are working with the Government, police chiefs and the chief surveillance commissioners to clarify some of the details of the legislation and make sure it is clear when and how surveillance should be used."
