OFFICIALS from Darlington Borough Council are receiving training in how to apply Government legislation that gives local authorities certain surveillance powers.

Members of the cabinet received an update about issues surrounding the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (Ripa).

The act enables councils to carry out limited surveillance activity, as long as certain procedures are followed.

Information obtained as a result of surveillance can be used in court proceedings, as long as Ripa is complied with.

A report prepared ahead of Tuesday's (October 14) cabinet meeting said training in the use of Ripa is being rolled out to officers of the council.

Ripa has been in the news this month, after the Government pledged to reform the section of Ripa that enabled police to access journalists' mobile phone records to reveal sources of stories.

Cabinet members noted the developments that have taken place this year and agreed to received further reports on the use of Ripa.