PAPER E6

Purpose: For Decision

Committee:	EXECUTIVE
Date:	30 JULY 2002
Title:	DATA PROTECTION POLICY
	PORTFOLIO HOLDER – RESOURCES

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To approve a new Data Protection Policy for the Council.

BACKGROUND

The Data Protection Act 1998 is fully in force from 24 October 2001 and now applies to some paper records as well as records held on computer. It has therefore been necessary to draw up a new Data Protection Policy for the Council.

The new policy, a copy of which is attached, sets out how the Council complies with the legislation.

In response to a District Audit report produced in October 2001 work is being undertaken to identify and review all data sets held by the Council. This work will enable Directorates to finalise their own policies as referred to in paragraph 10.5 of the attached policy, and will also provide a means of checking that the Council’s registration with the Information Commissioner is up-to-date.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

The draft policy has been agreed by the Strategic Directors.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications in adopting this policy.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

The Council has a duty to comply with the Data Protection Act, and individual staff and councillors are also required to comply with it. The policy when adopted needs to be drawn to their attention.

OPTIONS

1. To adopt the policy.

2. Not to adopt the policy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To adopt the draft policy and to bring it to the attention of all staff and councillors.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

District Audit report October 2001.

Contact Point: Peter Pilgrem, F 823207

M FISHER Strategic Director Corporate and Environment Services

R BARRY Portfolio Holder for Resources