Laura Sharman 01 June 2017

Council fined £150,000 for publishing personal data about family

An Essex council has been fined £150,000 for publishing sensitive personal information in an online planning application document.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued the fine to Basildon Borough Council for breaching the Data Protection Act.

The investigation came after a statement in support of a planning application was published on its planning portal containing personal information on a static traveller family who had been living on the site for many years. The information included the family’s mental health issues, the names and ages of all the family members and the location of their home.

The ICO said the council failed to follow data protection procedures and training.

‘This was a serious incident in which highly sensitive personal data, including medical information, was made publicly available,’ said ICO enforcement manager, Sally Anne Poole.

‘Planning applications in themselves can be controversial and emotive, so to include such sensitive information and leave it out there for all to see for several weeks is simply unacceptable.’

The council had argued it was not required under law to redact personal data from planning documents but this was rejected by the ICO.

Ms Poole added: ‘Data protection law is clear and planning regulations don’t remove an individual’s rights. Local authorities and, indeed, all organisations must be certain that their internal processes and procedures are robust and secure enough to ensure that people’s sensitive personal information is protected.’

A Basildon Council spokesman said: 'The council has been given 28 days in which to lodge an appeal against this decision. We are taking advice and considering our position.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner