Dear All,
I am revisiting some history with this question. You may recall last year that Eric Pickles responded to the ICO’s request that Councillors register as data controllers. He said that this would be sorted out and should not happen because it was ridiculous.
I believe, based on this story, that he was going to recommend that Councillors be covered by the Council’s notification.
http://www.ukauthority.com/NewsArticle/tabid/64/Default.aspx?id=3232
He was going to work with the MOJ to sort this out so a “common sense” solution could be found. The article quotes him as saying this was going to be a way to “dismantle the command and control apparatus of the Whitehall state.”
I have not heard whether a “common sense” solution has been found. My understanding is that it continues to be a requirement for Councillors to register in their own right as data controllers if they meet the criteria set by the Act. From the ICO’s annual report Councillors continue to register with them.
Any clarification on this issue would be appreciated as some may point to the statement by Pickles as suggesting that the issue is confused and they do not need to register.
Best,
Lawrence
Principal Information Management Officer
Durham County Council
Room 4/140
County Hall
County Durham
DH1 5UF
0191 372 8371
VPN 77778371