What is the Data Protection Act?
The Data Protection Act applies to personal information that we hold about you. It sets the rules for how we handle your information. If the rules are not followed the Council risks breaking the law.

What is personal information?
Personal information is any information, which can be used to identify you. This includes all the obvious details we might hold about you such as your name and address, National Insurance number, Council Tax reference number, benefit entitlement.

Some types of personal information are classified as sensitive by the Act and require more careful handling. This includes information about ethnic or racial origin, political opinions, and religious beliefs.

Our Commitment to you and your rights

When we ask you for personal information, we promise:

• to make sure you know why we need it;
• to only ask for what we need, and not to collect too much or irrelevant information;
• to protect it and make sure nobody has access to it who shouldn't;
• to only share it with other organisations when the law allows;
• to make sure we don't keep it longer than necessary; and
• not to make your personal information available for commercial use without your permission

In return, we ask you to:

• give us accurate information; and
• tell us as soon as possible if there are any changes, such as a new address.

This will help us to keep your information reliable and up to date.

Can I see my personal information?
Generally yes. You have a right of access to your personal information. This is usually referred to as 'subject access rights'. For more information about this please follow the link to the following page: Subject Access Requests.

The following leaflet has been produced by the Dorset Data Protection Working Group which comprises all local authorities across Dorset. The leaflet is designed to assist you further with Data Protection and how we handle your information:

Our Commitment to you and Your Rights - Leaflet
Our Commitment to you and Your Rights - Leaflet (A5 Version)

How do I appeal or make a complaint?
We hope we can resolve most issues with you, but if you wish to make a formal complaint about the way we have dealt with your request you should do this in writing. Your complaint will be dealt with under our 'Complaints Procedure'. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint you can appeal to the Information Commissioner at the address below.

How can I find out more?
You can contact the Council at the following address:

Bournemouth Borough Council,
Legal Services,
Town Hall,
Bourne Avenue,
Bournemouth,
Dorset,
BH2 6DY

Email the Information Compliance Team

or you can write to:

The Information Commissioner,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire,
SK9 5AF