What is personal data?
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, personal data is defined as
data that relates to a living individual who can be
identified:
(a) from those data, or
(b) from those data and other information which is in the
possession of, or likely to come into the possession of, the data
controller, and includes any expression of opinion about the
individual, and any indication of the intentions of the data
controller or any other person in respect of the individual.
(Section 1(1)).
Personal data will therefore cover basic details such as name,
address, telephone number, and date of birth.
Sensitive personal data
Certain data is classified under the Act as 'sensitive
personal data', for example:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Religious or other beliefs of a similar nature
- Physical or mental health or condition
- Sexual life
- Offences (including alleged offences)
Consent is required for both types of personal data, and must be
provided for sensitive data. Where we are asking you for sensitive
personal data, we will always tell you why and how the information
will be used.
The council’s Data Protection Policy is available to
view via the council's website by clicking here.
Why does the council need to collect and store personal
data?
For some of our services, we need to collect personal data so we
can get in touch, or provide the service. For example, we can't
come to your house if we don't know your address. We always try to
make sure the information we collect is correct and isn't an
invasion of your privacy.
We may pass your personal data onto the people who provide the
service. These providers are obliged to keep your details securely,
and use them only to fulfil your request. Once your request has
been dealt with or the case has been closed, they will dispose of
the details. If we wish to pass your sensitive personal data onto a
third party, we will only do so once we have obtained your consent,
unless we are legally required to do so.
How the council uses your information
The council will process (that means collect, store and use) the
information you provide in a manner that is compatible with the
Data Protection Act. We will endeavour to keep your information
accurate and up-to-date and not keep it for longer than is
necessary. In some instances the law sets the length of time
information has to be kept, but in most cases the council will use
its discretion to ensure that we do not keep records outside of our
normal business requirements - i.e. providing a service to you.
Our aim is not to be intrusive, and we won't ask irrelevant or
unnecessary questions. Moreover, the information you provide will
be subject to rigorous measures and procedures to make sure it
can't be seen, accessed or disclosed to anyone who shouldn't see
it.
Using your personal data
We will use the information you provide for the following
purposes:
- Regulatory, licensing and enforcement functions, which the
council is obliged to undertake.
- All financial transactions to and from the council, including
payments, grants and benefits. Where monies are due or outstanding
the council reserves the right to use all the available information
(excluding council tax information) at its disposal to protect
public funds.
- Where you have agreed for the purpose of consulting, informing
and gauging your opinion about our products and services.
- To ensure the council meets its statutory obligations,
including those related to diversity and equal opportunity.
If you would like to know more or have any concerns about how
your information is being processed please
contact us.