The Data Protection Act 1998 is designed to ensure that personal data held by the Council is looked after properly. We will collect, use, and store personal data about you according to the principles set down in the Data Protection Act.
The rules which govern the Council's use of personal data are the Data Protection Principles. This is a summary of what the principles mean:
- Personal data is only used according to a set of conditions found at the back of the Act. This usually means that we will only use information when the law requires it, or with your permission.
- Personal data is only used lawfully and fairly. You will usually be informed if data about you is being used.
- We will keep enough data about you to provide effective services. However, we will not keep more data than is necessary.
- The data we keep will be accurate, and up-to-date.
- We will not keep data for longer than we need it.
- You can have access to data about you. You can also prevent the use of data which causes you unfair damage or distress.
- All personal data will be kept secure. We will take steps to prevent your data from being lost or stolen.
- There are rules about transferring data outside Europe. The Council is very unlikely to do this, but you will be consulted if this is a possibility.
