Seagull Weekly Briefing 24/04
All the top stories from across the city.
Good morning, and welcome to the Brighton Seagull's Monday Briefing. We hope you all enjoyed the emergency broadcast yesterday—unfortunately our editor's phone didn't go off so she'll be stuffed in the case of a national emergency.
Ahead of the elections in a few weeks you might be wondering: what does the council actually do? Fortunately our deputy editor Owen put together a wonderful explainer for you this week:
Owen B. Jones
And finally, a very happy 30th birthday for tomorrow to our technical director, Adam. This site wouldn't run without him, this business wouldn't exist without him, and our editor would be significantly more stressed without him.
News This Week
Sussex Police reprimanded for recording more than 200,000 phone calls without people's knowledge
Sussex Police have been reprimanded by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for its recording of hundreds of thousands of phone conversations without people's knowledge.
In June 2020, the ICO became aware that staff had access to an app that recorded all phone calls on phones where it was installed. This app was downloaded by 1,015 people across Sussex Police and Surrey Police forces, and more than 200,000 phone calls were recorded during that time and automatically saved on the app.
The ICO has ruled that this processing of personal data was unfair and unlawful: staff who downloaded the app did not know their calls would be recorded, and people who talked to those staff members—who could include victims of or witnesses to crimes—were not told their conversations were being recorded.
The app was first made available in 2016 and only intended to be recording software for a small number of specific police officers. However, the police forces made the app available for every staff member to download. The app is now no longer used, and all recordings (except evidence) have been destroyed.
Stephen Bonner, ICO Deputy Commissioner (Regulatory Supervision), said:
Sussex Police and Surrey Police failed to use people’s personal data lawfully by recording hundreds of thousands of phone calls without their knowledge.
People have the right to expect that when they speak to a police officer, the information they disclose is handled responsibly. We can only estimate the huge amount of personal data collected during these conversations, including highly sensitive information relating to suspected crimes.
The reprimand reflects the use of the ICO’s wider powers towards the public sector as large fines could lead to reduced budgets for the provision of vital services. This case highlights why the ICO is pursuing a different approach, as fining Surrey Police and Sussex Police risks impacting the victims of crime in the area once again.
Recommendations have been put in place going forward to ensure compliance with data protection law, including data protection guidance being issued to staff, reviews of data protection training content, and data protection being considered right at the start of new apps being used. Sussex Police need to tell the ICO what they have done to address these recommendations within three months.
People's manifesto launched by renter's union
ACORN has launched its people’s manifesto, asking council candidates to pledge their support for it and to make renting better for people in Brighton and Hove if elected.
In the manifesto they list out five demands, which have been written by and voted on by ACORN members, of which there are 800 in the city. 'Hundreds more' residents in the city were also consulted.
They ask for:
- Zero tolerance for rogue landlords, including issuing improvement notices, fines, and prosecutions to offending landlords at the earliest opportunity, and for this policy to be implemented within six months of the upcoming election
- City-wide landlord licensing by the end of 2023
- Toilets to be kept open and protected in future council budgets
- A 'Principal Residence Policy' to be adopted, the government to be lobbied for powers to regulate short-term lets, and for councillors to do everything in their power to safeguard city housing for local residents
- More affordable buses
ACORN said:
For years we have seen our city become unaffordable, and our public services get worse, whilst landlords and property developers get richer. With upcoming council elections on May 4th, we have an opportunity to elect councillors that will make Brighton and Hove a city that works for ordinary people, not just the rich.
You can email your councillor to ask for their support here.
🖋 News in Brief 🖋
- Saltdean Lido was planning on reopening Monday 1st May, however due to a leak it will be delayed. One might wonder how a leak is troublesome for a pool, however it could lead to chlorinated water in the ground, and reduce the water quality. We will update you with an opening date as soon as we know!
- Brighton Fringe's CEO, Julian Caddy, will be resigning once this year's festival ends in June. He's been in post since October 2011, and in that time helped establish Brighton Spiegeltent, is setting up a new venue, Caravanserai, at St Peter's Church, and has more than tripled audiences and revenues in his tenure. Where is he going? To Scarborough Fair! We wish him all the best in his new role as director thereof.
The Big One
Petition for bus to connect Woodingdean to Falmer and Lewes
What's happening? A Woodingdean resident and prospective Labour councillor has started a petition calling for a bus service connecting Woodingdean to Falmer and Lewes.
What are buses like in the 'Dean? For those living and working in Woodingdean, there are buses to take them towards Rottingdean and Brighton, but none to take them north to Falmer and Lewes.
Oh no! What's being suggested? The petition suggests a route to connect Woodingdean to Falmer Village, Falmer train station, the University of Sussex campus and then Lewes Town. It reads:
An affordable and reliable public bus network is vital to thousands of people in the City. A public transport system done well gets people out of their cars thus reducing traffic, improving air quality and bringing down congestion.
What's the public reaction been? The petition has been met with a lot of support, with more than 720 signatures at the time of writing and a lot of social media comments reiterating the need for the bus.
Jacob told The Seagull:
I am thrilled it’s getting so much traction. It’s idea a few of us in the Woodingdean Labour circle have been knocking around for a while.
I am representing the Labour Party at a hustings on Monday - but cannot get there without either bunking off work to take two buses there or driving. It’s an issue I look forward to help rectifying soon.
How do people currently get between Woodingdean and Falmer Currently, the way Google Maps recommends one gets from Woodingdean to Falmer is by walking 2.5 miles down a road that doesn't have any pavement. The bus route is something that has been tried in previous years, but not come to light.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven, said:
The petition garnering 700 signatures in such a short time proves the community interest in this route.
Our Labour candidates Jacob and Jacqui know it’s needed because they live locally, electing them will see them finish the job of getting this bus route.
When will we find out more? The petition will be presented to the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee and bus companies after the election.
What can I do to help? Sign the petition and spread the word!
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