Sorry to join in the discussion at this late stage, but been
away......................
A 4th option to this which we use, is to send the requested information to
the data subject with a covering letter,stating that Councillor x requested
it as acting on your behalf and if they could forward it on.
This clears up both issues:
1. The subject is made aware of this and the purpose for which their data
may be used
2. They have given consent to representation, if they then forward the
papers on.
[log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2000 7:38 AM
Subject: Re: NI nos for another purpose
> In a message dated 02/11/2000 14:20:12 GMT Standard Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> << Concerns about Council Tax staff (makes a change - it's usually Council
> Tax database that is under seige!) asking for NI no from HB staff so that
> they can deduct arrears of Council tax from state benefits . The NI no is
a
> DSS no -should this be disclosed for another purpose, ie debt recovery?
>
> Wouldnt it be better for Council Tax to write to the HB claimant to get
this
> info or get written permission from the claimant for HB to disclose? >>
> ----------------
>
> As it has been accepted that CT collection falls under the s29 exemptions,
CT
> staff can request the NI No if it assists with CT collection. Whether it
is
> given by HB staff will depend on whether they are reasonably convinced
(say
> by way of a s29 notice from CT or audit perhaps?) that failure to disclose
> would prejudce the collection of the tax.
>
> ----------------
> <<How do you deal with disclosing personal data to Councillors when they
are
> trying to help Borough residents. With written permission or without?
> Should they be treated the same as Council staff on a need to know
basis?>>
> ------
>
> Proof that the Councillor is acting on behalf of a person can be done in
> several ways:
>
> 1) A letter from the resident/elector/complainant (you must assure
yourself
> the signature is genuine);
>
> 2) Contacting the data subject by phone and asking them pertinent
questions
> about the query;
>
> 3) Asking the person for specific consent to disclose the details to the
said
> Councillor for the said purpose.
>
> As a data subject I would prefer option 3, in case the councillor wanted
> information about me to give to another resident, elector, etc.
>
>
> Ian B
> Keep IT Legal Ltd
>
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