BASILDON Council has reduced its use of covert surveillance since new laws forced officials to go to the courts for permission.

The council has used the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 15 times since 2011, mostly to spy on suspected benefit cheats.

However, it has only used the powers four times since November 2012, when new rules required councils to seek magistrates’ permission.

Councils can use three types of surveillance – getting hold of phone bills, watching people in public places or using undercover officers.

An independent audit of Basildon’s operations by theOffice of Surveillance Commissioners, has ruled the council is sticking to the rules.

Assistant surveillance commissioner Sir David Clarke’s report says: “Your Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act structure is in good order and makes appropriate use of its powers, particularly in investigating benefit fraud.”

The commissioner describes the council’s use of covert surveillance as “moderate”, compared to other authorities.

Of the 15 occasions since 2011 when the powers were used, 12 were to investigate suspected benefit cheats.

The other three involved checks on breaches of taxi licences.

Sir David identified one shortcoming, criticising the council for often not providing sufficient details of what investigations aimed to achieve and failing to providing the names of undercover officers when applying to use the powers.

He said: “Authorisation must be of a specific named source, whether an officer working undercover, or an outside informant.”

The council is currently allowed to get undercover officers to pose as fares to hail taxis, but Sir David has recommended this authorisation should be cancelled because of his reservations.