Caerphilly Council investigates use of firm to spy on workers

An investigation into the use of a Blackwood-based surveillance company by Caerphilly Council is to be carried out amid concerns over cost.

Campaign group Big Brother Watch, through a Freedom of Information request, revealed that Caerphilly County Borough Council spent £110,692 in 2010/11 hiring Conquest Surveillance Services to spy on workers it suspected of wrongdoing.

A council spokeswoman said: “Caerphilly County Borough Council is reviewing its surveillance procedures following recent concerns about expenditure in this area.

“Cllr Hefin David, the chair of the council’s Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee has requested an urgent report detailing the money spent to date, clarification around the procedures relating to the procurement of this type of covert surveillance and what the outcomes are in respect of evidencing value for money for the taxpayer.

“Caerphilly Council takes very seriously its obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Information Commissioner’s Office Employment Practice Code as well as the general duty of care to its employees.”

Cllr David said: “The council has a duty to protect the public purse and is committed to tackling all kinds of fraudulent activity, but we must ensure that funds are used appropriately and proper procedures are followed at all times.

“I will be seeking the opinions of the council’s recognised trades unions in advance of the meeting to ensure that the use of surveillance is proportional and is clearly incorporated into existing HR policies.”

A report will be presented to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday April 16.