Laura Sharman 17 April 2018

Council fined £120,000 for data breach

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been fined £120,000 after unlawfully publishing the details of people who owned empty properties in the borough.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued the fine after the council sent the names and addresses of 943 people who owned vacant properties to three journalists.

The council accidently sent the personal information in a spreadsheet in response to a freedom of information request following the Grenfell Tower fire.

The ICO found that while the council did not deliberately contravene the Data protection Act, it failed to robust procedures in place to protect information.

The ICO report found: ‘At the time of the security breach, the feeling of social inequality was running high in this wealthy borough. Such disclosures therefore required guidance and oversight.’

A Kensington and Chelsea Council spokesperson said: 'It was an error and we apologise. We accept the fine, and we have reviewed our processes to prevent this happening again.'

The penalty will be reduced to £96,000 if the council pays in full by 10 May 2018.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner