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30 Oct 08Recommendations On Use Of Surveillance
A committee of Poole councillors has made recommendations on the use of surveillance laws and admissions procedures for local schools.
Members of Borough of Poole's Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered both matters at a meeting held at the Civic Centre.
They reviewed the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) to look into potentially fraudulent applications for school places.
The committee recommended that surveillance should not be undertaken for the purposes of school admissions. It also concluded that further consideration should be given to adding further safeguards to the council's existing RIPA procedures, including options on how best to involve elected members.
Committee members made a further recommendation that the council conducts a campaign for clear guidance from the Government on the use of RIPA by local authorities and for school admissions.
The recommendations of the committee will be considered by Cabinet members in December.
John McBride, Chief Executive of Borough of Poole, said: "Overall, council officers in Poole have made only modest use of RIPA legislation since its introduction in 2000. However, we acknowledge the level of public concern about the use made of RIPA legislation for matters relating to school admissions.
"Members of the committee have listened to these concerns and concluded that surveillance should not be used for school admissions. They have also made recommendations for further improving the council's procedures around its use of RIPA which will be considered by the Cabinet."
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