Data Protection Act 1998

Under the Data Protection Act, we have a legal requirement to ensure that all personal information is kept secure, accurate, up to date, and is only used for the purposes it was collected.

If you feel that your data is not properly protected or being used in a way that you did not agree to (or where there is no legal mandate for using it) please contact the Freedom of Information Team using the link to the right.

You can request to see a copy of the information held about you and to correct any factual inaccuracies. This could include your social care file if the Council has ever looked after you, or your tenancy file if you are a Council tenant. This is known as a Subject Access Request.

If you find that the information held is inaccurate, you should contact the relevant department and ask them to change this.

Can I have everything?

There are some instances where we may not be able to release all of the information we hold about you. For example, if we have received legal advice about your case, under Common Law this is covered by legal professional privilege and remains confidential. We will not release information that is part of a current investigation or contract negotiation with the Council.

Any information about other people, including other members of your family, will be blacked out.

How do I make a Subject Access Request?

To request your personal information, you will need to supply proof of identity (e.g. copy of passport, driving licence, or birth certificate), the standard £10 fee, and the following information:

• Your name (and any previous names)
• Your address (and any previous addresses from where you have had dealings with us)
• Details of the Council departments you have dealt with so we can trace the information you require
• An address for correspondence

Please send all of this to the postal address contained in the link to the right. If you prefer, you can deliver the request by hand and show your proof of identity. Please note that it is a criminal offence to use a false name to obatin information.

The information will be provided in no more than 40 calendar days.

Why do I have to pay?

A standard £10 fee is charged for each Subject Access Request. This fee is set by the legislation to cover the cost of copying and supplying your information. Cheques should be payable to the London Borough of Camden.

Privacy Compliance

We will treat any personal information by which you can be identified (i.e. name, address, email etc) in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act of 1998.

If you have an enquiry or concern regarding the processing of personal data by Camden Council, please contact the Freedom of Information Team.

If you are not satisfied with our response to your concern; you may wish to go to our Complaints section.

Further information

For more details, please contact:

Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Website: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk