Issue - meetings

to note the update within the report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer Governance which advised that it was requirement under paragraph 3.29 of the Scottish Government’s Code of Practice for Covert Surveillance and Property interference, that Elected Members review the authority’s use of covert surveillance on a quarterly basis to ensure that it is being used consistently with the local authority’s policy and that that policy remains fit for purpose.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee note the update within the report.

Councillor Townson sought clarification as to whether the young person test purchase was undertaken by someone underage and what training and safeguards were in place for court appearances for the young person.  The report author advised that the young person would be a volunteer underage and that they were fully trained and briefed before each operation and would be accompanied by an Enforcement Officer.  He further advised that in order to protect the identity of the young person, the second purchase as part of an operation was filmed and used in court.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation contained in the report.