Lambeth Council has not authorised any surveillance activities under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) since 2017, a trend mirrored by many other local authorities.
The Audit and Risk Committee heard on Thursday 23 July 2026 that the council's use of covert surveillance and information-gathering techniques has ceased due to legislative changes restricting their use to serious crime and a greater reliance on overt investigative methods and technology.
This information was revealed in the Report on Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
presented to the committee. The report noted that the council's last authorisation of RIPA-regulated surveillance activities was in 2017.
The policy accompanying the report, which was approved by the committee, outlines that covert surveillance can only be undertaken if it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate, and is related to the prevention or detection of crime. Specifically, this is limited to 'serious crime' – defined as offences attracting a custodial penalty of six months or more, or the underage sale of tobacco and alcohol. These restrictions stem from legislative changes made in November 2012, specifically Sections 37 and 38 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. These changes mandated that local authorities wishing to authorise the use of Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) must obtain an Order from a Justice of the Peace (Magistrate) in addition to internal authorisations.
Officers stated that the lack of RIPA-authorised surveillance is a pattern observed across other London boroughs, such as Croydon and Wandsworth, which also did not utilise these powers in the previous year. This shift is attributed to the aforementioned legislative changes and an increased reliance on technology and overt investigative approaches.
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO) oversees authorities that conduct RIPA-regulated activities. Lambeth Council submitted statistics to IPCO detailing its use of these powers in 2024. A desktop inspection by an IPCO inspector in 2023 found the council to be compliant with RIPA and the Investigatory Powers Act, and no further inspection was deemed necessary at that time. The council anticipates further correspondence from IPCO regarding a potential 2026 inspection later this year.
The approved policy aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance in the use of covert techniques, providing assurance that surveillance is used lawfully, proportionately, and only when necessary. The policy also highlights that any such activities must comply with the Human Rights Act 1998, particularly Article 8 concerning the right to privacy.
