Agenda, decisions and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

RESOLVED that: The Executive agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th May as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Cllr Graham Lawman declared a personal interest in Item 8 as he was known to one of the registered speakers.

The Chair, Councillor Jason Smithers stated that Agenda Item 6 (Hackney Carriage Fare Tariff) had been deferred to a future Executive meeting date. It was heard that a total of 14 speakers had registered to speak in relation to this item, however, to ensure that the Executive had all the information available to it to allow for the best possible decision to be made, it had been agreed that the item be deferred. The Chair offered his apologies to anyone who had attended the meeting relation to the item.

It was noted that there were eight other requests to address the meeting as set out below:

·         Cllr Clive Hallam –  Agenda Item 13

·         Cllr Martin Griffiths – Agenda Item 13

·         Cllr Leanne Buckingham - Agenda Item 9

·         Cllr Lyn Buckingham – Agenda Items 5, 7, 8 and 10

·         Cllr Zoe McGhee – Agenda Item 8

·         Cllr Dorothy Maxwell – Agenda Items 9 and 12

·         Cllr Jean Addison – Agenda Items 5, 8 and 9

·         Cllr Lora Lawman – Agenda Item 8

Cllr Griffiths was not in attendance at the meeting and therefore did not speak on Item 13.

Cllr Leanne Buckingham was not in attendance at the meeting and therefore did not speak on Item 9.

Cllr Addison withdrew from speaking on Item 5.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the performance of the Council as measured by the available indicators at Period 1 as set out in the appendices to this report.

b)    Noted the progress being made in the development of the Council’s approach to performance management.

Reason for Recommendations – to better understand the Council’s performance as measured by performance indicators as at Period 1, 2022/23.

Alternative Options Considered – reporting performance data on a less frequent basis is an option but monthly reporting is considered useful at this stage of the Council’s existence, reporting alongside budget information.

The Chair, Cllr Jason Smithers, welcomed Cllr Lyn Buckingham to the meeting to address the Executive. Cllr Buckingham made reference to details regarding agency spend and the lack of performance indicators for the Council’s function as a landlord and requested that the new Executive member for Housing, Communities and Levelling-up, Cllr Matthew Binley look at this as part of his portfolio.  

The Chair thanked Cllr Buckingham for her comments before introducing a report that sought to provide an update on the performance of the Council across a range of services as measured by performance indicators, as well as setting out the progress that was being made in the development of the Council’s performance monitoring arrangements.

The Chair stated that the report before members provided a transition between the set of performance indicators used during 2021/22 and the new set approved at the previous meeting of Executive in May. Members noted the inclusion of a summary of performance indicators for 2021/22 which provided a clear audit trail between old and new indicators. In addition, a detailed a report for new indicators was included which was considered to better represent the key commitments the Council was aiming to deliver against.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the performance of the Council as measured by the available indicators at Period 1 as set out in the appendices to this report.

b)    Noted the progress being made in the development of the Council’s approach to performance management.

Reason for Recommendations – to better understand the Council’s performance as measured by performance indicators as at Period 1, 2022/23.

Alternative Options Considered – reporting performance data on a less frequent basis is an option but monthly reporting is considered useful at this stage of the Council’s existence, reporting alongside budget information.

This item was withdrawn prior to the meeting and deferred to a future Executive meeting date.

This item was withdrawn prior to the meeting and deferred to a future Executive meeting date.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the meeting in relation to this item. Cllr Buckingham noted the aims of the Core UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and queried how this would marry up with the Levelling-Up agenda. Cllr Buckingham also question whether any residual UKSPF funding could go towards local health forums.

The Chair thanked Cllr Buckingham for her comments before Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration introduced a report that set out details of the Core UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Multiply Initiative, the potential meaning for North Northamptonshire and the requirements needed to secure funding for the area via the submission of Investment Plans to government. The report also sought approval to delegate the submission of these Investment Plans to the respective lead Executive Members.

Cllr Brackenbury clarified that North Northamptonshire had already received a three-year funding allocation totalling £6.744m, split between the two elements of the fund, the Core SPF (£4.835m) targeted at investment in Communities & Place, support for local business, people and skills, and the Multiply element (£1.909m) which was ringfenced for bespoke adult numeracy programmes to be delivered across the Spending Review period (2022-23 to 2024-25), with the aim that provision started for the 2022-23 academic year.

It was heard that the aim was to use the allocation in a manner where it would most greatly benefit the people of North Northamptonshire, utilising direct engagement with local stakeholders to identify the issues and challenges across the three themes of the Core UKSPF to deliver better outcomes.

Cllrs Harrison and Lawman welcomed the report and the opportunity for direct engagement with the public to help tackle social exclusion and benefit left-behind areas.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)       Delegated to the Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration; in consultation with the Executive Members for Highways, Travel and Assets; Sport, Leisure Culture & Tourism; Housing, Communities & Levelling Up; and Climate and the Green Environment, the Executive Director of Finance and the Executive Director of Place and Economy authority to submit a bid/s to the Levelling Up Fund Round 2 by noon on 6^th July 2022.

Reason for Recommendations – The submitted bid(s), if approved will unlock the funding for the identified projects and deliver significant benefits to the area. If funding is secured each project will commence as soon as possible with spend expected in the 2022/2023 financial year.

Alternative Options Considered – The only alternative option would be to not submit the bids for the projects identified. The consequences of this would be that there was no possibility of any funding from the Levelling Up Round 2 fund.

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to address the Executive. Cllr Buckingham expressed her disappointed in the report and suggested it showed a lack of vision and innovation, noting the lack of projects for Kettering and East Northamptonshire and raising concerns regarding the cycle-path link planned for Corby. Cllr Buckingham concluded by stating that it was hard to understand the vision for North Northamptonshire based on the report and suggested that the funding referred to in the report could be better spent.

Cllr Zoe McGhee was then invited to address the meeting. Cllr McGhee queried where the incentive was for people struggling financially to access some of the planned provisions noting regional disparities and the lack of projects in “left behind” areas of North Northamptonshire. Cllr McGhee also noted the lack of projects for the Kingswood area of Corby, despite these having been submitted

Cllr Jean Addison was invited to address the Executive. Cllr Addison also made reference to projects in the Kingswood area and stated that the funding should be spent in areas where it was most required, not in relation to areas suggested to be “vanity projects”.

Cllr Lora Lawman was then invited to address the meeting. Cllr Lawman made reference to the village of Wilby and disadvantages suffered by residents due to the lack of pavements or road connections, with no safe crossing point over the busy A509 and associated roundabout. It was suggested that financial support to assist in improvements would not only reduce the serious risk of accidents but would assist the Council in meeting its green agenda by championing walking and cycling. Cllr Lawman noted that there would be support from residents, ward members and the local MP for such improvements to a “left behind” area.

The Chair thanked all speakers for their comments before the Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, Cllr David Brackenbury introduced a report that sought to provide background on the Levelling Up Fund, explained the process undertaken to identify and consider projects which may be suitable for the fund, and identified shortlisted projects. The report also sought approval to delegate the decision on which projects and package(s) were submitted to Government by the deadline on 6^th July 2022.

Cllr Brackenbury thanked all the speakers for attending, noting the passion that had been brought to the debate. Cllr Brackenbury sought to provide clarity regarding the purpose of the fund, noting that its purpose was not for “left behind” areas, but to cover three key themes; transport, cultural and regeneration and town centre investments. It was noted that other funding streams from Government could be utilised in relation to “left behind” areas, and comments from speakers in this regard had been noted.

It was heard that the Council would be part of a bidding process and bids relating to all submissions would be scrutinised by Government before any funding award was successful. Consequently, projects had to be in a position to be worked up in terms of design, viability, finance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 233.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

Reasons for Recommendation: The development of a Family Hub Model will help to deliver the Council’s strategic ambitions. Early intervention can improve children’s wellbeing, educational attainment and life chances, reduce family poverty, improve mental health and reduce negative outcomes such as unemployment which carry significant cost to the public purse.

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the meeting. Cllr Maxwell welcomed the report and queried the location of the Family Hubs, noting the importance of giving children a head-start in education. Cllr Maxwell concluded by stating that the fund must be spent wisely to ensure Family Hubs were available for all children in North Northamptonshire. 

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her contribution before inviting Cllr Jean Addison to address the meeting. Cllr Addison welcomed the opening of Family Hubs but noted it was shame the Council had to re-open facilities similar in nature to those previously closed. Cllr Addison also made reference to an unsuccessful bid for £1million to assist with the costs of creating a Family Hubs model as well as referring to the need for effective public consultation. Cllr Addison concluded by noting that the refreshed Partnership Board referred to in the report should feature representatives from the localities it sought to serve and queried whether parents and care-givers would be involved with the Task and Finish groups referred to.

The Chair thanked Cllr Addison for her attendance before the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, Cllr Scott Edwards introduced a report that sought to brief the Executive on the challenges, opportunities and options arising from the announcement of the Council as eligible to be part of the Government’s three-year Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.

Cllr Edwards noted that the report set out proposals to develop a Family Hubs model in line with key objectives developed as part of the Government’s programme, the objective of which was to improve whole family service delivery, address disproportionality and inequalities as well as drive improved health and education outcomes. The Council had been identified as one of 75 local authorities able to access additional Government funding to reshape services, improve access to services and support as well as measure impact.

Cllr Edward noted that locations for Family Hubs had yet to be decided, although engagement with parents, carers, children and the wider community offered the opportunity to make early-years provision more efficient and productive to offer children the best start in life.

The Chair, as well as Cllrs Harrison and Binley spoke strongly in favour of the opportunity to use additional Government funding to support and improve life prospects for children across North Northamptonshire.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

Reasons for Recommendation: The development of a Family Hub Model will help to deliver the Council’s strategic ambitions. Early intervention can improve children’s wellbeing, educational attainment and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 234.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)     Noted that the Household Support Fund (2) investment to be managed locally

b)     Approved the Recommended Scope and Diversity of Distribution as set out in section 4

c)      Approved the control and oversight approach through a central operational team

Reasons for Recommendations:

·      The distribution of funds must meet the wider communities’ financial needs, where other grants and funding are not available

·      Where possible the level of duplication of grants for the same purpose must be minimised which is why the in-house team is recommended

·      It provides real benefit to underpin the Public Health Wellbeing Programme and aligns to the Recovery and Wellbeing Programme

·      The recommended course of action is the most cost-effective.

·      The residents of NNC will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed

Alternative Options Considered: The option not to draw down the funds was considered; however, this was discounted as many vulnerable residents would miss additional support at a time when there are increased concerns regarding the cost-of-living increases. An option to provide all households claiming Universal Credit with an additional payment from the Fund was also considered, however, as there are 20,000+ on the database the amount predicted to receive per household would be derisory to the current cost-of-living increases.

The Chair invited Cllr Lyn Buckingham to speak in relation to this item. Cllr Buckingham requested that some of the Household Support Fund (HSF) be used to drive the uptake of pension credit which was underused by those who needed it most. Cllr Buckingham also queried the underspend of the previous tranche of HSF funding.

The Chair thanked Cllr Buckingham for her comments before introducing a report that set out the local strategy for the delivery of the £2.465m Household Support Fund 2 in order to maximise appropriate referrals across a wide set of situational needs.

The Chair noted that the grant fund announced by government on 31^st March 2022 was the second version of the fund, the previous one having been in operation between 1^st December 2021 and 31^st March 2022 across North Northamptonshire to assist a wide variety of households demonstrating extreme financial hardship. The Council had a wide discretion on how the fund could be used to support those residents most in need with assistance for food, utilities and other essentials costs.

It was heard that support would be phased between July and September and included Holiday School Meal Vouchers for the summer holidays; support for pensioners who were already receiving a Pension Credit and those who on Pension Credit but also severely disabled. It was recommended that for households demonstrating severe financial hardship, assistance be operated through the voluntary sector to assist in identifying individuals and families who may not otherwise be on the Council’s radar.

Cllr Harrison welcomed the additional funding, noting that although the previous round of funding has been successfully distributed, learning points had been taken to ensure the Council could continue to support those who needed it most in the most efficient manner.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)     Noted that the Household Support Fund (2) investment to be managed locally

b)     Approved the Recommended Scope and Diversity of Distribution as set out in section 4

c)      Approved the control and oversight approach through a central operational team

Reasons for Recommendations:

·      The distribution of funds must meet the wider communities’ financial needs, where other grants and funding are not available

·      Where possible the level of duplication of grants for the same purpose must be minimised which is why the in-house team is recommended

·      It provides real benefit to underpin the Public Health Wellbeing Programme and aligns to the Recovery and Wellbeing Programme

·      The recommended course of action is the most cost-effective.

·      The residents of NNC will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed

Alternative Options Considered: The option not to draw down the funds was considered; however, this was discounted as many vulnerable residents would miss additional support at a time when there are increased concerns regarding the cost-of-living increases. An option to provide all households claiming Universal Credit with an additional payment from the Fund was also considered, however, as there are 20,000+ on the database the amount predicted to receive per household would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 235.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration introduced a report that sought to advise the Executive of the preparation and content of the Ise Valley Strategic Plan and requested its approval to allow for its recognition as a tool to secure funding and to develop and deliver projects to enhance the Ise Valley.

Cllr Brackenbury noted the significant level of work undertaken in the production of the plan, acknowledging it that it had been prepared by the River Nene Regional Park on behalf of, and with input from, the River Ise Partnership, of which the Council was a member. It was further noted that due to its strategic nature, the plan could be used attract funding streams and develop projects that went beyond the borders of North Northamptonshire.

Reference was made to work undertaken by the Partnership since its 2019 inception, including:

·         The Ise Valley Way project and projected links to the existing Greenway Project

·         South Meadows, Wicksteed Park – a re-engineering of the Slade Brook and River Ise confluence

Cllr Howell spoke to recognise and thank River Nene Regional Park for the work undertaken on behalf of the River Ise Partnership, noting the benefits of collaborative working and the exceptional nature of the resulting output. The plan before members formed part of a larger picture, with walking and cycling infrastructure across the whole of North Northamptonshire being considered with a view to enhancing accessibility to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents.

Cllr Pentland welcomed the report and noted the involvement of the Climate Change, Environment and Growth EAP in commending the plan and the benefits that would stem from its adoption.

Cllr Lawman also spoke positively regarding the plan, noting the opportunity to enhance connectivity and the leisure offer as part of the wider Greenway network.  

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the programme to provide library services through a community managed model, as adopted by Northamptonshire County Council in 2018.

b)    Noted the current progress on the 3 remaining libraries, including the completion of the existing work around the leases for Irchester Library and Rothwell Library with the existing partners, which have been delayed due to works required to the associated properties.

c)    Noted that a further report will be brought forward to seek approval to enter into the lease agreement for Raunds library.

d)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism in consultation with the Executive Director for Adults, Communities and Wellbeing, to take actions necessary to complete the transfer process for Irchester and Rothwell Libraries.

Reason for Recommendations: The approval of these recommendations will enable the officers to continue to progress the 3 remaining transfers via the agreed processes outlined in this report, whilst maintaining the integrity of the Community Managed Library transfer programme as a whole and the duty of NNC to obtain best value.

Alternative Options Considered: The only other option considered as part of the library service transformation programme, established by the former County Council as detailed in section 4 of this report, is that where no viable proposal for a community managed library is forthcoming, that library would close.

The Chair invited Cllr Dorothy Maxwell to address the meeting in relation to this report. Cllr Maxwell noted the importance of libraries as part of local communities, particularly in the role of community hubs.

The Chair thanked Cllr Maxwell for her attendance before the Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Helen Howell introduced a report that sought to brief the Executive on the background around the Community Managed Libraries transfer programme and provided an update on the progress of those libraries yet to be transferred.

Cllr Howell stated that seven libraries in North Northamptonshire had transferred to community organisations as a result of the former County Council’s Community Managed Libraries Transfer Programme, with the transfer of a further three libraries (Irechester, Raunds and Rothwell) having been delayed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Updates for each were provided as below.

·         Irchester library had been closed since the March 2020 lockdown. The Council had liaised with the parish council who had waited for essential maintenance to be carried out on the library building before signing the lease. This work had been underway for some time and was now very close to completion.

·         Work had been ongoing with Raunds Community Library Trust (RCLT) towards a transfer since 2018. To ensure continuity of services, the trust began to run the library with volunteers under a temporary Tenancy at Will, re-opening in October 2020. During this time funding had been  sought to progress to full transfer, without success. The Council wrote to RCLT in December 2021 to explain that if a full transfer was not in place by 31^st March 2022 the Tenancy at Will would cease and the library would close in accordance with the former County Council cabinet decision. Following press coverage around the potential closure, an Academy Trust expressed interest in supporting RCLT with the funding required to successfully transfer. Following further press coverage of this offer, a second Academy expressed interest in running a community managed library in Raunds. In accordance with legal advice, the Council had sought final expressions of interest from any interested parties from 17^th May 2022. A further report providing an analysis of available options would be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive.

·         The transfer of Rothwell library to Creating Tomorrow Multi-Academy Trust and Rothwell Community Library Trust that had been delayed due to a number of property issues was now ready to be signed.

The Chair noted that local communities held libraries close to their heart and transfers such as those outlined above provided a great opportunity for those communities to be involved in making local decisions.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)    Noted the programme to provide library services through a community managed model, as adopted by Northamptonshire County Council in 2018.

b)    Noted the current progress on the 3 remaining libraries, including the completion of the existing work around the leases for Irchester Library and Rothwell Library with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 237.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

The Chair welcomed Cllr Clive Hallam to the meeting to address the Executive. Cllr Hallam noted the longevity of the campaign for a bypass for Isham and stated his support for the current plan but raised concern over the impact of employment traffic on other local villages, with developers needing to mitigate the issues caused as a result of their developments. Cllr Hallam further called for construction of the bypass to commence during the lifetime of the current administration.

The Chair thanked Cllr Hallam for his contribution before the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, Cllr Graham Lawman introduced a report that sought to update the Executive on the work that had been, and would be undertaken in respect of the A509 Isham Bypass, sought agreement of a change to the Preferred Route for the scheme and requested delegated authority be provided to himself as portfolio holder to procure and award a contract to provide professional services to support the delivery of the bypass.

Cllr Lawman thanked Cllr Hallam for his comments and noted the support of the local MP, Peter Bone in the long-running campaign for the bypass. Cllr Lawman also supported comments relating to traffic calming for villages surrounding the ongoing employment developments in the area.

It was noted that, if approved, the change to the current preferred route for the A509 Isham Bypass would tie-in to the improvements to the A509 which were being constructed as part of the Symmetry Park development. Work had been undertaken to ensure the design of the bypass was compliant with current standards, including consideration for active travel, and to explore opportunities for value engineering. Further work was underway to develop a new planning application and an Outline Business Case for the scheme with submission due in October 2022. Further public consultation would take place prior to the planning application being submitted.

It was heard that further progress would then be dependent on securing the necessary statutory permissions and further funding. Following the granting of planning permission, new Compulsory Purchase and Side Roads Orders were likely to be required followed by submission of a Full Business Case to the Department for Transport to secure funding to construct the road. It was currently projected that construction would start in November 2024, with the bypass opening in November 2026.

The meeting heard that work on the business case, design and planning application was being undertaken by WSP UK Ltd through the Council’s highways services contract with KierWSP. This contract was due to come to an end in September 2022, consequently it was recommended that the Council procure professional services suitable for providing the skills required to ensure the work already undertaken continued without disruption or delay, whilst ensuring value for money.

Cllr Brackenbury welcomed the report and the prospect of the bypass becoming a reality, noting that it would reduce the pressure of traffic on surrounding routes once complete.

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

a)    Adopted the policy attached at Appendix A to the report in respect of the use of covert investigation and surveillance techniques, and the accompanying guidance as attached at Appendix B to the report.

b)    Designated the officers occupying the following posts as responsible for authorising the use of covert investigation and surveillance techniques:

i.              Chief Executive;

ii.            Executive Director of Place and Economy;

iii.           Executive Director of Adults, Communities and Wellbeing;

iv.           Assistant Director, Regulatory Services

c)    Required the Senior Responsible Officer (Director of Governance and HR) to report the use of covert investigation and surveillance techniques to the Audit and Governance committee at least twice in a municipal year, and notify the Executive of any use of powers on a monthly basis.

d)    Confirmed that the changes required to the Constitution as a consequence of the above recommendations be implemented by the Director of Governance and HR.

Reasons for Recommendations:

·         The above recommendations fulfil the Council’s statutory obligations to adopt a policy on the use of covert surveillance techniques and support that policy through the accompanying guidance.

·         The officers identified to approve the use of such techniques have been identified in accordance with guidance issued by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office, who are responsible for overseeing the use of these techniques.

Alternative Options Considered: In the event that the policy is not adopted, the Council may be unable to fulfil its statutory enforcement obligations and will be subject to adverse comments when inspected by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office. Failing to adopt a policy and guidance is not therefore considered a viable alternative option.

The Chair introduced a report which sought approval to adopt a policy and guidance in respect of investigatory powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 and Investigatory Powers Act 2016 covering the use of covert surveillance by the Council.

The Chair noted that the Council had, since April 2021, utilised the policies of its predecessor authorities whilst a revised policy covering the whole of the North Northamptonshire area was developed. The policy before members had been created as a result of identifying areas of good practice within the policies of predecessor authorities, researching policies adopted by other authorities and by seeking the views of those on the Corporate Enforcement Group as to the content of the policy.

The meeting heard that adoption of a policy as outlined above was a statutory requirement, with the Director of Governance and HR being the Senior Responsible Officer with ultimate responsibility for the Council’s use of RIPA powers. In addition, it was recommended that the following officers be trained and authorised to approve RIPA activity:

i)             Chief Executive;

ii)            Executive Director of Place and Economy

iii)           Executive Director of Adults, Communities and Wellbeing

iv)           Assistant Director, Regulatory Services

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

a)    Adopted the policy attached at Appendix A to the report in respect of the use of covert investigation and surveillance techniques, and the accompanying guidance as attached at Appendix B to the report.

b)    Designated the officers occupying the following posts as responsible for authorising the use of covert investigation and surveillance techniques:

i.              Chief Executive;

ii.            Executive Director of Place and Economy;

iii.           Executive Director of Adults, Communities and Wellbeing;

iv.           Assistant Director, Regulatory Services

c)    Required the Senior Responsible Officer (Director of Governance and HR) to report the use of covert investigation and surveillance techniques to the Audit and Governance committee at least twice in a municipal year, and notify the Executive of any use of powers on a monthly basis.

d)    Confirmed that the changes required to the Constitution as a consequence of the above recommendations be implemented by the Director of Governance and HR.

Reasons for Recommendations:

·         The above recommendations fulfil the Council’s statutory obligations to adopt a policy on the use of covert surveillance techniques and support that policy through the accompanying guidance.

·         The officers identified to approve the use of such techniques have been identified in accordance with guidance issued by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office, who are responsible for overseeing the use of these techniques.

Alternative Options Considered: In the event that the policy is not adopted, the Council may be unable to fulfil its statutory enforcement obligations and will be subject to adverse comments when inspected by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office. Failing to adopt a policy and guidance is not therefore considered a viable alternative option.