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

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner