Claim that Council broke Data law

The somewhat unsavoury dispute between Cheshire East councillor Brian Silvester and council leader Michael Jones reported here in not quite its full glory on Boxing Day – it was after all the season of goodwill – goes on.

The latest bout has Brian Silvester saying that the Council has fallen foul of Data Protection law by releasing e-mail addresses of those who signed up for a community energy scheme.

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester has reported Cheshire East Council (CEC) to the Information Commissioner because of this.

Brian Silvester said: "Cheshire East Council advertised a Community Energy scheme and invited residents to sign up for it. A letter from the Leader of the Council was sent via e-mail to those who had signed up.

"In the course of doing so the e-mail addresses of all those concerned were revealed which is a breach of the disclosure of information rules. The Council has issued an apology. CEC should know better than this because they have previously been fined £80,000 for a breach of the regulations."

We look forward to the riposte which doubtless will follow his action and the reaction of taxpayers who have been landed with a possible fine. Curiously enough, the potential fine for this breach just tops one that Brian Silvester had to pay.

An email from council leader Michael Jones on Christmas Eve reminded all that Cllr Brian Silvester was no stranger to matters of law.

Councillor Brian Silvester was spared jail in 2012 but was fined almost £70,000 after admitting putting vulnerable lives at risk at his rented property in Crewe.

Despite his criminal conviction, he remained in his post as Willaston ward councillor.

We sense another Private Eye Rotten Boroughs entry pending, particularly with an election coming up in four months time.

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