Liberal Democrats lead call for review of data security in Tower Hamlets Council

10.28.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th Nov 2007

Where's the disc?

Liberal Democrat and Conservative Councillors today joined forces to demand a review of Council procedures and systems for protecting residents' personal information. In the aftermath of the loss of discs from the Revenue and Customs, Councillors from both parties expressed their concern that details relating to Children, benefits, victims of domestic violence, Council tax records, ownership of property and electoral registration should be protected from unlawful or unauthorised use.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group Councillor Stephanie Eaton said: "Local Authorities collect and store a substantial amount of information about local residents and we are seeking an assurance from the Chief Executive that officers have done everything possible to ensure this information is protected. There is a legitimate concern for privacy and a well founded fear of identity fraud if this information gets into the wrong hands."

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative group added: "The scandal of the missing CDs from Revenue and Customs shows just how careful authorities need to be with people's personal information. There should be regular checks in all directorates to ensure that only staff with a genuine need to access data have the authority to do so and that there are systems in place to protect data when it is being shared or transferred".

Councillors Eaton and Golds will be tabling the following emergency motion to full Council on November 28.

This Council notes:

The loss of data containing personal information from HM Revenue and Customs;

The widespread public concern about identity theft, fraud and unauthorised access to personal information;

This Council directs:

The Chief Executive to instigate a review of the systems for the management and security of personal and private data controlled by the Council;

The Chief Executive to be given delegated powers to act upon the recommendations of such a review;

The Chief Executive to report to the next full Council on the findings of the review and any actions taken arising from the review.

Moved: Cllr Stephanie Eaton

Seconded: Cllr Peter Golds

Further information can be obtained from Councillor Stephanie Eaton on 07941 303 976 or Stephanie.Eaton@towerhamlets.gov.uk