The government is to clamp down on the use of covert surveillance techniques by local authorities. Council officers who want to use bugging or undercover detectives will require permission from senior executives, under the plans. Ministers say it will stop snooping on minor offences such as dog fouling and putting bins out on the wrong day. But critics say the government has not gone far enough and intrusive spying methods should be banned altogether. The Home Office wants local authorities who wish to use covert surveillance methods to seek permission from "director level" or above. Currently, authorisation is required from a "service manager" or equivalent. The Home Office has carried out a consultation o
