To provide an update to the Committee about the operation of Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) within the Council. 

The Head of Legal Services (HLS) introduced the report, the purpose of which was to provide an update to the Committee about the operation of Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) within the Council.  The principal points were noted:

• The Policy was last reviewed and updated in June 2021 by the committee. A further review was performed in June 2023, and it was considered by officers that the Policy remained valid and up to date with only minor changes required to reflect changes to the roles within the Council.
• A copy of the amended policy with tracked changes was attached at Appendix 1 for committee approval.
• Training for all officers is now in included in their induction in relation to RIPA which also includes the use of social media.
• Approximately 50 officers within the council were trained by an external provider in April and May this year. These were mainly officers within environmental health and trading standards but did also include planning enforcement and senior officers of the council with specific duties.
• The Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO) had undertaken an audit and had provided guidance on a couple of points but were satisfied with the way the policy was being used.
• The Head of Regulation and Technical Services (HRTS) advised the committee that RIPA powers had been used twice in the last three years.
• The HRTS explained that the RIPA powers are used sparingly but the policy is vital for example test, purchasing of tobacco sales for underage children and that reviewing the policy periodically to assure the committee that those that this review has been robust and is in line with IPCO.

In response to committee questions, it was noted:

1. 100% of staff that had been instructed to had attended the training.
2. Training was provided by an external provider and was conducted online. The provider encouraged engagement and asking questions during and after the sessions. Each individual received a detailed training pack that they could refer to or refresh their memory as and when they needed to use the powers.
   
   

Resolved

That the Committee adopted the revised RIPA Policy in Appendix 1; and noted that the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office had been satisfied as to the operation of RIPA within the Council.