New rules to stop misuse of surveillance powers came into force in November, the Home Office reported. According to the Coalition the changes will stop councils using surveillance powers designed to fight crime, for monitoring school catchment areas and the contents of residents’ recycling bins.
Local authorities will have to get approval from a magistrate before using powers to track suspected benefit cheats, rogue traders and those selling alcohol or tobacco to children. They will only be able to conduct surveillance for crimes which would be given more than a six-month jail term.
Home Office security minister James Brokenshire said: “These important powers were never intended to be used for trivial matters and so we have acted to restore the balance and strengthen civil liberties. From clamping down on rogue traders to catching fraudsters, surveillance powers can be important. But today’s changes ensure local authorities have the tools to go after criminals while maintaining a proper level of protection for the public.” A new serious crime threshold means that to covertly follow someone local authorities will have to show they are looking into a serious offence. The changes are to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), as part of the Protection of Freedoms Act which received Royal Assent earlier this year.
