Council rapped over revealing tenants' 'social housing status'

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Local Government and also in Housing

A council breached the Data Protection Act after an individual was mistakenly sent information relating to 29 people who were living in supported housing.

The incident, which occurred last May, was one of four data protection breaches committed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council during a two-month period last year.

The council has now signed an undertaking committing it to take action to address the problems highlighted in each incident.

This includes introducing appropriate checks to make sure personal information is handled in compliance with the Act.

The Information Commissioner has warned councils that they must take data protection seriously.

It also revealed today that four other councils breached the Act by failing to keep people’s personal information secure.

Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham said: “At a time when councils are increasingly working with community partners, when data is shared it is vital that they uphold their legal responsibilities under the Data Protection Act. Failures not only put local residents’ privacy at risk, but also mean that councils could be in line for a sizeable monetary penalty.

“We must also consider the detrimental impact these breaches continue to have on the individuals affected. Disclosing details about someone’s social housing status can be upsetting and damaging for those affected. To help tackle this issue I’ve submitted a business case to the government to ask for them to extend my compulsory audit powers.”

The ICO has produced guidance for local authorities explaining their obligations to keep the personal information they handle secure. The guidance includes advice on the security measures that must be in place.