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Extent of council spying revealed Extent of council spying revealed
(about 3 hours later)
Councils in England and Wales have used controversial spying laws 10,000 times in the past five years, figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show.Councils in England and Wales have used controversial spying laws 10,000 times in the past five years, figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa) was meant to fight terrorism and serious crime.The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa) was meant to fight terrorism and serious crime.
But officials have been using it to spy on suspected dog fouling, littering and other minor offences.But officials have been using it to spy on suspected dog fouling, littering and other minor offences.
The government has promised curbs on its use but the Lib Dems warn it could still become a "snoopers' charter".The government has promised curbs on its use but the Lib Dems warn it could still become a "snoopers' charter".
The figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal for the first time how widespread the use of Ripa is among council officials in England and Wales.The figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal for the first time how widespread the use of Ripa is among council officials in England and Wales.
A survey of more than 180 local authorities found:A survey of more than 180 local authorities found:
• 1,615 council staff have the power to authorise the use of Ripa.• 1,615 council staff have the power to authorise the use of Ripa.
• 21% (or 340) of these staff are below senior management grade.• 21% (or 340) of these staff are below senior management grade.
• Ripa powers have been used 10,333 times in the last five years.• Ripa powers have been used 10,333 times in the last five years.
• Just 9% of these authorisations have led to a successful prosecution, caution or fixed-penalty notice• Just 9% of these authorisations have led to a successful prosecution, caution or fixed-penalty notice
The Lib Dems are calling on the government to ensure that Ripa powers are only used where strictly necessary and that their use is sanctioned by magistrates.The Lib Dems are calling on the government to ensure that Ripa powers are only used where strictly necessary and that their use is sanctioned by magistrates.
New guidelinesNew guidelines
The party's local government spokesman Julia Goldsworthy said: "This government has seen civil liberties as little more than a temporary inconvenience.The party's local government spokesman Julia Goldsworthy said: "This government has seen civil liberties as little more than a temporary inconvenience.
"Slowly but surely freedoms have been eroded and we're now in a situation where dog fouling is considered sufficient to warrant surveillance by council officials."Slowly but surely freedoms have been eroded and we're now in a situation where dog fouling is considered sufficient to warrant surveillance by council officials.
"When Ripa was passed only nine organisations, including the police and security services, were allowed to use it. Now a total of 795 bodies including all 475 local authorities can use powers that were originally designed to prevent terrorism.""When Ripa was passed only nine organisations, including the police and security services, were allowed to use it. Now a total of 795 bodies including all 475 local authorities can use powers that were originally designed to prevent terrorism."
The government is planning to issue new guidelines to councils on the use of Ripa.The government is planning to issue new guidelines to councils on the use of Ripa.
In November, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said it should not be used to snoop on people suspected of minor offences such as dog fouling or putting out rubbish on the wrong day.In November, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said it should not be used to snoop on people suspected of minor offences such as dog fouling or putting out rubbish on the wrong day.
But she defended councils' right to use the powers against suspected rogue traders or fly-tippers.But she defended councils' right to use the powers against suspected rogue traders or fly-tippers.
Ms Smith wants applications for the use of Ripa to go to the top of organisations, such as the chief executive of a council rather than the head of trading standards or environmental health.Ms Smith wants applications for the use of Ripa to go to the top of organisations, such as the chief executive of a council rather than the head of trading standards or environmental health.
The Conservatives say they would restrict the use of Ripa powers by local authorities only to crimes which could lead to a prison sentence.The Conservatives say they would restrict the use of Ripa powers by local authorities only to crimes which could lead to a prison sentence.
Local councils would also require judicial approval for the use of surveillance powers and council leaders would have to sign off each use of the powers, under Tory proposals.Local councils would also require judicial approval for the use of surveillance powers and council leaders would have to sign off each use of the powers, under Tory proposals.
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