ICO urges councillors to check if they need to register as a data controller

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is writing to councillors across the country to inform those who handle personal data that they must check if they need to register as a data controller, or risk a fine of up to £5,000.

Over 6,000 councillors are currently registered with the ICO, but a further 13,000 are potentially not fulfilling their obligations.

Councillors need to consider the role in which they are processing personal information. If doing so as a member of the council or as a representative of a major political party, councillors will not normally be required to notify with the ICO.

However, when carrying out their role as a representative of the residents in a ward or an independent councillor who is not affiliated to any political party a councillor may need to notify.
 
Simon Entwisle, Director of Operations at the ICO, said: “Most councillors have regular access to the personal information of the residents they represent."

"Like all organisations who handle people’s information, it is of paramount importance that they take their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act seriously."

Further information:
ICO