Data protection

This legislation is designed to cover the collecting, storing, processing and distribution of personal data. It gives rights to individuals about whom information is recorded. The local authority is responsible for ensuring that they comply with the terms of the Act.

Data Protection Act 1998

The Data Protection Act 1998 came into force on 1st March 2000 to protect personal data about individuals.

Under the Act any ‘data controller’ has a duty to protect information collected from an individual. ‘Data’ includes information held in manual files or on computer. The Act also gives the individual rights to request information on data held about himself.

Why does SBC hold data about me?

The council needs to process personal data about you in order to provide its services effectively.

How is my personal data protected by the Act?

The council as a ‘data controller’ is only allowed to process data about you fairly and lawfully in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act. The Act sets out rules and conditions which the Council must comply with when obtaining and using information about you.

For example, you have the right to require the council to stop processing personal data about you if the processing of that data will cause substantial and unwarranted damage or distress. You can also require the council to stop processing personal data about you for the purposes of direct marketing. You are also entitled to see what data the Council holds about you and have corrected any information that might be wrong

How do I request data held by the Council about me?

You have the right to ask the council what information it holds about you, what the information is being used for and who the information is being given to. You have the right to be given a copy of the information the council holds about you and to correct any incorrect information. You need to make any such request in wiriting to the council’s Data Protection Officer (please see below)