The LGA is to write to the Home Office, demanding loopholes in the law are tightened up, as the controversy over ‘snooping' powers continues. It is seeking a meeting with the Home Office to discuss whether guidance is needed to ensure the phrase ‘necessary and proportionate', as set out in the legislation, needs to be redefined. Last week, LGA chairman, Sir Simon Milton, sent a letter to all councils warning overzealous use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) could alienate the public, following media reports showing councils using the powers for too minor offences including dog fowling and littering. Poole Council, one of the local authorities caught using the laws to spy on families over school catchment areas, has welcomed Sir Simon's letter. A Poole Council spokesman said it had used the powers on 17 separate occasions since 2005. ‘The use of surveillance methods in relation to school admission procedures is already scheduled to be reviewed by a council scrutiny committee in July,' said the spokesman. Teignbridge DC chief executive, Nicola Bulbeck, has called for a public awareness campaign to address the issue. She said: ‘Most local authorities are likely to be applying the powers responsibly, and only where there is real and justifiable need.' Ms Bulbeck defended the current regulatory system but admitted that councils' ‘interpretation' of the power could be tightened. Director of human rights group Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti, said judges should be involved in authorising the use of the powers. Tory local government spokesman, Eric Pickles, said ‘stronger checks and balances' were needed to prevent councils abusing these powers. ‘There is real public concern about the threat to privacy and liberty from the misuse of anti-terror laws by town halls,' said Mr Pickles.
