Issue - meetings

(i)       to note the overview of the Council’s use of investigatory powers during the calendar year 2023 as set out in the report; and

(ii)      to agree that the Use of Investigatory Powers Policy remained fit for  purpose.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided an overview of the Council’s use of investigatory powers during 2023, particularly focussing on the Committee’s role in respect of assurance and sought agreement that the Use of Investigatory Powers Policy remained fit for purpose.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)      note the overview of the Council’s use of investigatory powers during the calendar year 2023 as set out in the report; and

(b)      agree that the Use of Investigatory Powers Policy remained fit for  purpose.

In response to questions relating to the increased number of authorised applications, specifically around age restricted products, and whether these were likely to continue in 2024 and if so whether there were sufficient resources to minimise the impact, Ms Johnstone, Solicitor advised that there was an increasing trend and where Protective Services deem it necessary, they would continue to carry out investigations.  She further confirmed that there was sufficient resources to undertake the investigations.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations contained in the report.