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Issue - meetings

REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS ACT (RIPA) UPDATE AND ANNUAL REVIEW

 

 

Meeting: 14/04/2026 - Cabinet (Item 42)

42 REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS ACT (RIPA) UPDATE AND ANNUAL REVIEW pdf icon PDF 145 KB

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – GOVERNANCE/MONITORING OFFICER

 

This Report provides an update on the Council’s current use of RIPA and reports on the annual policy review. The Report also provides an update on the proposed amendments to the Council’s RIPA Policies following its annual review.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

 

(1)   Noted the content of the report; and

 

(2)   Resolved to adopt the amended RIPA Policy (Appendix A).

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: The Council is required to ensure it has an up-to-date, compliant and operationally usable RIPA framework that reflects current legislation and codes of practice and supports effective governance and assurance. 3.2. Approval of the updated policy reduces legal, regulatory and reputational risk, supports lawful enforcement activity where required, and strengthens transparency and democratic oversight.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 56 minutes 5 seconds

 

The Chair invited Councillor Claire Winchester, as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to present the referral on this item. Councillor Winchester advised that:

 

·       There was no challenge from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the recommended amendment to RIPA as this would ensure the Council kept in line with current legislation.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen, as Executive Member for Governance, presented the report entitled ‘Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Update and Annual Review’ and advised that:

 

·       This report provided Cabinet with an update on RIPA and reported on the annual policy review.

·       Although use of these powers was rare, the proposed amendments would ensure that the Council had an up-to-date RIPA framework which reflected current legislation and supported effective governance and assurance.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Mick Debenham seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

 

(1)   Noted the content of the report; and

 

(2)   Resolved to adopt the amended RIPA Policy (Appendix A).

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: The Council is required to ensure it has an up-to-date, compliant and operationally usable RIPA framework that reflects current legislation and codes of practice and supports effective governance and assurance. 3.2. Approval of the updated policy reduces legal, regulatory and reputational risk, supports lawful enforcement activity where required, and strengthens transparency and democratic oversight.