The Data Protection Act was introduced in 1998 to protect the personal information of individuals, however it is processed, what is processed or who processes it. It gives you the right to know what information is held about them and provides a framework to ensure that personal information is handled properly.
Find out more information on the
Data Protection Act and on what you can expect from an organisation that collects your information.
What is personal information?
The council needs to collect and use certain types of information about people it deals with in order to operate. This personal information must be dealt with properly - however it is collected, recorded, used or disposed of. This is also regardless of whether it is on paper, held on a computer, or recorded on other material.
Personal information is any information that can be used to identify you as an individual. Examples of personal data are:
- your name
- your address
- your date of birth
- information contained in your passport
- your religious beliefs
- your image
Your personal information is valuable, so you should treat it as you would any other valuable item.
How does the Data Protection Act affect me?
The Act ensures that any personal information provided by you or others (known as third parties), about you must be:
- fairly and lawfully processed
- processed for limited purposes
- adequate, relevant and not excessive
- accurate and up to date
- not kept for longer than is necessary
- processed in line with your rights
- secure
- not transferred to other countries without adequate protection.
These are also known as the eight Data Protection principles.
If Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council wishes to share your personal information then it may be necessary to gain your consent. There are times when the council had to share your information, for example, where there is a statutory requirement or it is lawful to do so.
What are my rights?
Individuals have the following rights under the Data Protection Act:
- a right of access to a copy of their personal data
- a right to object to processing that is likely to cause or is causing damage or distress
- a right to prevent processing for direct marketing
- a right to object to decisions being taken by automated means
- a right in certain circumstances to have inaccurate personal data rectified, blocked, erased or destroyed
- a right to claim compensation for damages caused by a breach of the Act.
Data Protection Policy
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is fully committed to compliance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. We will therefore follow procedures that aim to ensure that all staff, councillors, contractors and any other parties who have access to personal data held by, or on behalf of the council are fully aware of and abide by their duties and responsibilities under the Act.
A copy of the council's Data Protection policy can be found at the bottom of this page.
Data Protection breach
If you are concerned that we are in breach of any of the Data Protection Act principles, firstly write to the Information Management (Legislation and RIPA) Officer:
By emailing dpo@basingstoke.gov.uk
In writing:
Information Management (Legislation and RIPA) Officer
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
RG21 4AH
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