This is my first email on Data Protection as I am new to the group.
Is there anyone who can advise on the possible data protection implications
of some `user satisfaction' Best Value Indicators (BVPIs) that local
authorities are required to collect in the current financial year?
Specific concerns have been raised about surveys we will have to undertake
of customers/applicants of the Development Control Service of the Planning
Department, and customers/beneficiaries/claimants of the Housing
Benefit/Council Tax Benefit Section.
On Development Control, customers (applicants for Planning Consent/Approval)
need to be contacted four times during the year to be asked questions about
their perceptions of the service they receive.
For Housing Benefit/Council Tax customers/beneficiaries/claimants (people
claiming benefit) it is required that they will be contacted twice during
the year.
Concern has been expressed that we will be contacting these customers using
information which they have supplied in support of their planning
applications/benefit claims without having expressly asked their permission
to do this.
Can anyone advise?
Douglas Colyer
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