Laura Sharman 06 July 2017

Councils yet to budget for new data protection rules

Four out of five councils have yet to allocate funding towards meeting the new requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) from next year, a new survey has revealed.

A freedom of information (FOI) request by M-Files Corporation found that on average, 82% of councils have yet to allocate budget towards making sure they comply with GDPR from May 2018.

The research also found that 56% of local authorities contacted have still not appointed a data protection officer despite this being a requirement of the new regulations.

Julian Cook, vice president of UK business at M-Files, said the research suggests there is a ‘serious’ lack of awareness of the importance of GDPR.

‘At this stage we would have expected local authorities to be further along in their preparation efforts, but the data demonstrates that this is far from the case,’ he said. ‘Inadequate preparation for GDPR will have serious financial implications if these boroughs ultimately do not comply with the new rules.’

He added: ‘Effective data management is often one of the most labour-intensive of these challenges, with local authorities tasked with administering and protecting ever-increasing amounts of sensitive data, such as personally identifiable information (PII).

‘However, the rules of GDPR are non-negotiable, so there needs to be a concerted effort over the coming months to make the necessary preparations for its introduction.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
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