A comprehensive raft of policies exists to ensure computer networks are being used securely and information is being used correctly in the Council.

Procedures prevent sensitive information being readily available even to elected members who make up the Council.

The Council has a high level of commitment to correct IT usage and has developed the policies to ensure that everyone using its computer network does so responsibly.

'The Council is acutely aware of the potential for the misuse of data and have put these policies in place to eliminate risks like security breaches and data theft,' said Chief Executive, Philip Marshall.

'Everyone who uses our network is made aware of the Security Policy and has to agree in writing to comply with it before they are given access to the Council’s computer systems.'

Mr. Marshall added that I.T. systems play an essential role in the workings of the Council and that it invests substantially in technology to enable efficient working.

'This is an issue which we take very seriously, and the consequences for people not complying with the policies we have put in place are potentially extremely severe,' he said.

'We want residents and the people we work with to be confident that when they communicate with us we take every measure to ensure their information is dealt with and stored with care and respect, and that we take every possible step to ensure its security.'