20 November 2008
Councils warned over snooping power abuse
Chris Smith
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Councils have been ordered by the Home Office to curb their use of anti-terrorism laws.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker told a House of Lords committee that his department was considering how to limit the use of surveillance powers set up in a bid to tackle extremeism.
He revealed discussions have been held with the local government minister John Healey to find a way forward.
Councils have been using an interpretation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) to investigate people using bins wrongly and, in one case, where a family lived as part of a dispute over a school catchment area.
Mr Coaker said: ‘We don't want to see legislation available for local authorities to use with respect to serious crime being used... for example, in respect of dog-fouling.
‘That's something we need to address. We have to stop some of these things happening that do undermine support.’
Labour peer Lord Peston warned: ‘If these powers are being used for local authorities to search my dustbins, isn't the danger that you lose public support... in the area for which you most need public support, namely the anti-terrorism and anti-crime thing?’
In response, Local Government Association backed the minister’s concerns.
Chair of the LGA's safer communities board, Hazel Harding, said ‘Whilst it is a matter for each council to determine for its area, the LGA's advice is that, save in the most unusual and extreme circumstances, it is inappropriate to use these powers for less serious matters.
‘By their nature, surveillance powers are never to be used lightly but it is important that councils don't lose the power to use them when it's appropriate. The LGA will continue to work with councils to make sure that they are completely confident in using these powers properly.’
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker told a House of Lords committee that his department was considering how to limit the use of surveillance powers set up in a bid to tackle extremeism.
He revealed discussions have been held with the local government minister John Healey to find a way forward.
Councils have been using an interpretation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) to investigate people using bins wrongly and, in one case, where a family lived as part of a dispute over a school catchment area.
Mr Coaker said: ‘We don't want to see legislation available for local authorities to use with respect to serious crime being used... for example, in respect of dog-fouling.
‘That's something we need to address. We have to stop some of these things happening that do undermine support.’
Labour peer Lord Peston warned: ‘If these powers are being used for local authorities to search my dustbins, isn't the danger that you lose public support... in the area for which you most need public support, namely the anti-terrorism and anti-crime thing?’
In response, Local Government Association backed the minister’s concerns.
Chair of the LGA's safer communities board, Hazel Harding, said ‘Whilst it is a matter for each council to determine for its area, the LGA's advice is that, save in the most unusual and extreme circumstances, it is inappropriate to use these powers for less serious matters.
‘By their nature, surveillance powers are never to be used lightly but it is important that councils don't lose the power to use them when it's appropriate. The LGA will continue to work with councils to make sure that they are completely confident in using these powers properly.’
Your comments
i think the council have no right to stick there noses in to otha peoples business i am subject to stupid people watchin me 24)7 i am not a criminal are anything else i am a young mam with 2 kids tryin to get on with my life i dont agree with the bullying in the community people pickin on inocent people when they no nothin about the subject its al wrong!
Annonomous, Added: Friday, 21 November 2008 09:07 AM
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