Council proposes restrictions on Ring doorbells and CCTV recording technology for tenants

Amendments to the agreement would prevent residents from photographing, filming or recording council officers, contractors or agents without their express consent, effecting outlawing the use of video doorbells which are set to automatically record visitors. The changes – which are currently open for consultation - also propose a ban on the installation of CCTV cameras in communal areas of council properties.

The proposals have attracted criticism. Atherton councillor Stuart Gerrard spoke against the proposals at a meeting of Wigan council, highlighting the risks of reduced security for some tenants.

He said: “Part of the consultation is that council tenants are not allowed to have cameras in their properties.

“Two weeks ago, a tenant was in contact with me from an estate in Atherton. “She was told to take her camera down over communal areas.

“48 hours later there was an attack and the police were asking her had she any footage, it’s mindless.

“That clause needs to be taken out of the consultation as soon as possible. Residents have the right to feel safe in their own homes and not to be dictated to by this council.”

The consultation on the refreshed housing tenancy agreement continues until October 19 and can be found on the council website here: https://participate.wigan.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/wigan-council-housing-tenancy-agreement-consultation

Other changes to the agreement would include new clauses on the keeping of pets, storage of e-bikes and reporting repairs which need to be made.

A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “Technology and the way it is used within residential environments has changed significantly since the tenancy agreement was last reviewed.
“The proposed clauses are intended to provide clearer guidance around the use of CCTV systems, video doorbells and other recording devices, ensuring that tenants can make use of modern technology responsibly while also respecting the privacy, safety and wellbeing of neighbours, visitors and council staff.

“Changes are also designed to ensure council officers, contractors and agents can carry out their duties in a safe and respectful environment.

“While we recognise there may be legitimate reasons why a tenant may wish to keep a record of an interaction, we now kindly request they seek consent from the person or persons being photographed or recorded. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“We remain committed to maintaining a positive relationship with all tenants, and our intention is not to prevent constructive engagement but to promote respectful interactions and provide appropriate safeguards for staff carrying out their work.”

The consultation is open until 19 October, and Wigan Council is holding a ‘drop in’ session on tenancy agreements on the 7th October.