Following the numerous instances of Councils in the UK using their RIPA powers to put people under surveillance for petty offenses everything from dog fouling to school attendance, the councils have finally been warned over their behaviour.
Local Government Association chairman Sir Simon Milton has written to councils warning overzealous use of the powers could alienate the public.
He stated that:
“Parliament clearly intended that councils should use the new powers, and generally they are being used to respond to residents’ complaints about fly tippers, rogue traders and those defrauding the council tax or housing benefit system”
He warned that councils over using their powers could alienate themselves from the public.