To consider a report of the Executive Member for Transformation and Resources.

The Executive Member for Transformation and Resources submitted a report which updated Members on the outcome of the inspection carried out by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners and set out the recommendations and the proposed action the Council would take in implementing those recommendations. In response to Members’ queries, the Executive was advised that legislation provided that surveillance would only be used in limited, prescribed circumstances, and that the action points set out in the report had already been implemented.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that the Commissioner’s recommendations have been accepted and that the following steps have been taken to implement the recommendations / learning points:-

a)    an officer debrief of the lessons learned as a consequence of the inspection has taken place

b)    amendments made to the main policy document Guidance on the Use of Surveillance as set out.

c)    process now agreed with external agencies (GMP) in relation to authorisations for directed surveillance. Follow up checks to be carried out from time to time

d)     periodic refresher training for authorising officers, applicants and enforcement officers will be arranged.