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Data Protection Act 1998

Because Wirral Council collects, uses, stores and destroys Personal Data – information on living individuals – we must comply with the 8 Data Protection Principles of good practice. Personal Data can be held on Computer Files, Manual Records, Microfiche, CCTV Footage or even Photographs. The 8 Principles we follow are common sense rules and apply equally to Personal Data about our Employees, our Service Users and Members of the Public.

The Principles state that Personal Data must be:-

  • Fairly and Lawfully Processed – This means that how Wirral Council collects and uses Personal Data and what it tells People about how it will use their information is very important;
  • Processed for Limited Purposes – This means Wirral Council is only allowed to use Personal Data in accordance with their Data Protection Notification. The Notification is a public record which details the activities of The Council in relation to Personal Data. The Notification can be viewed by visiting the Information Commissioner’s website at www.ico.gov.uk
  • Adequate, Relevant and Not Excessive – This means exactly what it says. The Council can collect and use only the Personal Data that it needs to carry out its functions;
  • Accurate – If information is not accurate and well maintained it is of little use.
  • Not Kept Longer Than Necessary – For some sets of records there is Statutory provision for how long it can be kept. In some cases however the retention period will be decided “In-House” following good practice recommendations.
  • Processed in Accordance with the Data Subject's Rights – Individuals are entitled to a copy of most Personal Data that is held about them. They can also object to and ask not to be sent unsolicited mail/email/faxes;
  • Secure – Personal Data must be protected, this issue is wide ranging and includes such areas as Staff Training, Firewall Technology and Passwords.
  • Not Transferred to Countries without Adequate Protection – Only very limited Council information is transferred Overseas. Strict checks must be carried out before any transfer to ensure that the Country in question can offer adequate protection.

By following these 8 simple rules it helps ensure that Wirral Council does not breach The Data Protection Act 1998. If also helps you to be confident that we take every care with your Personal Data. If you have any concerns about any aspect of Data Protection or would like to make a request for a copy of your Personal Data please do not hesitate to contact:-

The Information Manager
Wirral Council
Finance Department
Municipal Building
Cleveland Street
Birkenhead
Wirral
Merseyside
CH41 6BU
Email address informationmanager@wirral.gov.uk
 Telephone 0151 666 3536

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