Covert surveillance on illegal tobacco sales rarely happening in Powys
A report has revealed that supposed undercover investigations into illegal sales of tobacco or alcohol rarely happen in Powys – having only occurred on four occasions over 12 months.
The report, produced by Helen Dolman, the professional lead officer for data protection at Powys County Council, explained the council’s use of people for covert surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
It revealed the council had only used its powers of surveillance four times between April 1, 2019, and March 31 this year for trading standards investigations of illegal tobacco.
Today, portfolio holder for corporate governance and engagement, Councillor Graham Breeze, agreed the report's findings under delegated powers.
Ms Dolman said: “All authorisations were given judicial approval by a magistrate. The council has not authorised the use of a covert human intelligence source. All RIPA authorisations must be signed by an authorising officer.”
She added that at the moment the lead officer for trading standards, community safety and emergency planning is the only member of staff at the council who is able to authorise surveillance operations.
Ms Dolman added the Surveillance Commissioner's office had inspected the council in August last year.
The commissioner's office has said that all applications for directed surveillance were “extremely well formed and contained a detailed rationale as to why the use of covert surveillance was necessary".
Training for staff due to take place earlier this year had to be postponed firstly in February due to the storms and flooding, and then in April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The training sessions are now due to take place next month.
