ACCUSATIONS of bugging by local councils have been branded “untrue” and “unhelpful”.
Council chiefs have hit out at claims that councils have the power to listen in to phone calls or monitor e-mail conversations.
The concerns came after a report by Sir Paul Kennedy, the Interception of Communications Commissioner.
But the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) has stressed that local councils cannot get details of the content of any calls or e-mails.
They can apply to see subscriber and billing information when investigating or preventing a criminal offence, under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.
The content of calls and e-mails, however, can only be accessed by other public authorities such as the police and intelligence services.
Councils can apply to use video or audio surveillance equipment to catch criminals such as fly-tippers, rogue traders and benefit fraudsters.
Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE, chairman of LACORS, said:
“Without these powers, councils would not be able to provide the same level of reassurance and protection to local people and support to legitimate businesses.
“Rogue traders and other criminals might think they are untouchable by only giving out a mobile phone number or selling their dodgy goods online, but councils are using these powers to bring such people to justice.
“Councils have systems in place to make sure these powers are only used where necessary and proportionate.
“Councils cannot tap people's phones and to suggest that they can is patently untrue and extremely unhelpful,” he said.
See Thursday’s Herald for more details.
