RIPA Policy Procedure Sept 2026

Proposed · This went to the meeting on Mon 7 Sep 2026. What was decided is in that meeting's minutes.

This is the council's Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Corporate Policy and Procedure, setting out the framework for authorising covert directed surveillance and the use of covert human intelligence sources (CHIS). p1p2p3p27

The policy states that covert surveillance is to be used only rarely and in exceptional circumstances, with activity complying with Home Office codes of practice and guidance. p16

Under the policy, an authorisation lasts a maximum of three months for directed surveillance and twelve months for CHIS, with a requirement to review, renew through the court, or cancel it once it is no longer needed. p126

The version history in the document shows the current version 2.0 update, from August 2026, is a full review of codes of practice, forms and authorising officers, alongside approval by Cabinet. p10

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• p1RIPA Corporate policy and procedures Hastings Borough Council
• p2Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
• p3Corporate Policy and Procedure RIPA Corporate policy and procedures
• p101.7 May 2024 Annual review 2.0 August 2026 Annual review Full review and update of codes of practice, forms and authorising officers & approval by Cabinet
• p162. The policy applies to all council employees, workers and contractors who may undertake investigatory activity. All external agencies must therefore comply with RIPA and any activity authorised by one of the council’s Authorising Officers. Covert Surveillance should be used only rarely and in exceptional circumstances. Any activity must comply with the relevant Codes of Practice and guidance issued by the Home Office.
• p2712. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 provides a statutory mechanism for authorising covert Directed Surveillance and the use of Covert Human Intelligence source (CHIS), e.g. undercover agents. RIPA seeks to ensure that any interference with the individual’s right under Article 8 of the European Convention is necessary and proportionate.
• p12668. The form must be reviewed in the time stated, renewed and/or cancelled once it is no longer needed. The authorisation to carry out/conduct the surveillance lasts for a maximum of three months (from authorisation) for Directed Surveillance, and 12 months (from authorisation) for a CHIS. However, whether the surveillance is carried out/conducted or not, in the relevant period, they have to be reviewed, renewed (by application to Court) and/or cancelled once they are no longer required.