Housing associations carrying out covert surveillance as part of their antisocial behaviour strategies should follow guidelines set out in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 despite not being directly covered by it, law firm Devonshires said this week.

The advice was issued after concerns were raised at a recent meeting of the G17 Antisocial Behaviour Group, which represents the 17 largest housing associations in London, that housing associations could be in breach of the act.

Devonshires said one housing association had recently applied for authorisation under the terms of the act but could not receive it because the act refers to public bodies and associations are not classed as that.

Devonshires partner Nick Billingham said: “They may not do much covert surveillance, but we advise associations that it’s best practice to comply.”

Source

Housing Today