What will Arun release about us?

In this week's Gazette (October 16), Arun District Council has published an advert, hidden away on page 50, stating that it intends to pass the personal details of many of us on to the Audit Commission as part of a data-matching exercise of the national fraud initiative.

It appears that anyone who has had a personal licence issued by Arun, whether a publican or taxi driver, anyone who has applied for a concessionary bus pass or parking permit, anyone who has made an insurance claim against the council, or anyone who is a tenant or former tenant is to have personal details passed on.

I think that the council has a duty to inform us through these letters pages exactly what personal details are being passed on, what is going to happen to them and also what security measures are in place to protect data as the government record in this area is not too good.

Derrick Chester,

Worthing Road, Wick

Arun Council replies '“ The council has actively opposed the Audit Commission's demands for more detailed personal information as part of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI).

In July, members resolved to fight the demands, seeking legal advice and support from our three local MPs.

The council wrote to the Audit Commission to complain and publicised their displeasure in the local media.

The council has been forced to reluctantly comply with the legislation, which has the power to prosecute any body or individual who refuses to submit the required information.

Councillors intend to continue pressuring MPs to amend the legislation and to use all reasonable means to inform staff, retired employees, licence holders and tenants that the data matching is taking place.

The notice last week is just one way we are doing this.

The details the council are obliged to pass on for tenants and licence holders are: name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and for businesses, the name of the premises.

The Audit Commission compares this information with other data they hold, such as benefit data, to try and combat fraud.

Security is a priority for the council and members have already asked questions about the measures in place.

Residents are assured that data sent to the Audit Commission is via a secure, encrypted connection.

Any further questions are best directed to the Audit Commission.

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

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