Overview

• Shadow Communities Secretary Kevin Hollinrake formally wrote to the ICO on June 12 over Reform UK’s data handling practices in councils it controls
• Councils under Reform UK’s Department of Government Efficiency have been asked for sensitive records, including whistleblower identities and foster carers’ payment details
• Reform UK’s Doge team of software engineers, data analysts and forensic auditors is tasked with analysing the requested data to identify cost savings
• Conservatives have challenged the legal basis for the broad information demands and warned councils could face fines and liabilities for potential breaches
• Reform UK has threatened to pass council motions compelling data disclosure if local authorities resist its requests