Laura Sharman 28 May 2015

Councils spent 42,000 days ‘snooping’ on public

An investigation has revealed councils spent 42,000 days on covert and direct surveillance operations, ‘snooping’ on pigeon feeders and motorists.

A freedom of information request conducted by Channel 4, found local authorities used the regulatory investigative powers act (RIPA) to spend 42,000 days ‘snooping’ on citizens between April 2012 and January 2015.

The surveillance targets included drivers who parked in disabled parking bays and people feeding pigeons.

The investigation found Warrington Council had the highest number of RIPA use, with 69 operations accruing 6,357 days.

A council spokesperson told Channel 4: said: ‘We have used RIPA powers to recover fraudulently claimed benefits and for trading standards investigations, including the sale of tobacco to minors. We use this legitimate tool in combating crime and always use our powers responsibly, following the rules governing the use of the powers.

‘We have been audited by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners (responsible for overseeing the use of covert surveillance by designated public authorities) who endorsed our use of the RIPA powers to date.’

However, several councils said some surveillance operations lasted less time than expected, leading to concerns councils are being granted more powers from the courts than necessary.

Banning urban pesticide use image

Banning urban pesticide use

RSPB and PAN are working on a letter from local councillors calling on the Government to introduce a national ban on urban pesticide use. Find out more below.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Planning and Coastal Management

East Suffolk Council
£87,358 - £99,018 per annum, plus benefits
Following a restructure which has placed the current postholder in a critically important role East Suffolk
Recuriter: East Suffolk Council

Deputyship Caseworker

Essex County Council
£23344 - £26620 per annum
Deputyship CaseworkerPermanent, Full TimeUp to £24,309 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Engineer

Bristol City Council
£40,221 - £51,515
As part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, you will play an important role in designing innovative urban transport and public realm projects 100 Temple Street Redcliff Bristol BS1 6AN
Recuriter: Bristol City Council

Intelligence Manager - Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Essex County Council
Up to £69262 per annum
Intelligence Manager - Quantitative and Qualitative ResearchFixed Term, Full Timeup to £69,262 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Research Strategy and Governance Manager

Essex County Council
Up to £70364 per annum
Research Strategy and Governance ManagerFixed Term, Full Timeup to £70,364 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.