Who will own my data once I submit it?
Knowsley MBC (KMBC) is the Data Controller for the information provided in relation to these rebates, and discretionary schemes, and will own your data.
Why do you need my information?
KMBC collects this information so that the Authority can confirm the entitlement of individuals for the £150 Council Tax (Energy Bill) Rebate and the associated discretionary scheme, when necessary. This is a Government initiative, whereby Local Authorities are required to ensure eligible individuals receive their £150 rebate or discretionary payment. Further information on the scheme can be found on the Government website here.
What allows you to use my data?
KMBC will be processing personal data to administer and award rebates/payments according to the following lawful basis:
- Article 6 (1) (e) GDPR ‘processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.’
- Section 8(c) of the Data Protection Act 2018 sets out that such a task must be necessary for the performance of a function conferred on a person by an enactment or rule of law.
Information KMBC may collect:
The categories of information being processed will include:
- Council Tax account number
- Name(s) of Council Taxpayers)
- Financial information such as bank account information, if applicable
- Address of the property
- Details of the rebate/payment made
Do I have to provide this information and what will happen if I don’t?
If you do not agree to KMBC using some or all of the information required for the administration, assessment and payment of the rebate, KMBC may not be able to assess your entitlement for a rebate.
Who will my information be shared with?
To fulfil the Council’s duty to assess entitlement to the Council Tax Rebate and associated discretionary scheme, KMBC may share your information with other parties. These may include:
Other KMBC divisions who are supporting businesses under the different Government business support grant schemes
- Government departments such as DLUHC. KMBC may also legitimately share information with the Police, law enforcement, tax authorities or other Government and fraud prevention agencies, as requested, providing that it is being used to perform public functions or a legal obligation.
- For those individuals deemed to be eligible but when payment is not made to a bank account, the Council may share your information with the Post Office to enable the payment to be made. As this is a Government initiative, appropriate information sharing arrangements are in place to ensure compliance with UK GDPR/DPA.
How will my information be stored?
Data that KMBC collect will be stored securely in the Council’s computer databases. Access to these databases will be restricted to those who are entitled to view and process your data. The Council takes data control seriously and has internal policies and controls in place to ensure data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed and is not accessed except by its employees in the performance of their duties.
How long will you keep this information for?
KMBC will only keep your information for as long as is necessary to perform and audit the purposes for which it was collected. Your information will be retained for no longer than 7 years.
Will this information be used to make automated decisions about me?
No
Will my data be transferred abroad?
No
What rights do I have when it comes to my data?
If you require further information about how we process your personal data, you can contact the Council’s Data Protection team by emailing: data.protection.officer@knowsley.gov.uk
If you wish to receive a copy of the information that we hold on you, then you can submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the Council. Guidance on how to apply for a SAR can be found on the council's data protection page.
If you wish to complain to KMBC about your rights request or any issues around how we handle your data, please do so via:-
Data Protection Officer
Knowsley Council
Municipal Buildings
Archway Road
Huyton
L36 9YU
or email: data.protection.officer@knowsley.gov.uk
If you wish to complain about how the Council has handled your personal data, please do so via the Have Your Say form.
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at:
https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/
By post: -
The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 08456 30 60 60 or 01625 54 57 45
Further advice and guidance from the ICO on this issue can be found on the ICO website.
National Fraud Initiative
KMBC participates in the Cabinet Office's National Fraud Initiative (NFI) which is an exercise that matches electronic data within and between public and private sector bodies to prevent and detect fraud. KMBC is required by law to provide particular sets of data, including personal data, to the Minister for the Cabinet Office for matching.
The use of data for the NFI exercise is carried out with statutory authority under part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under Data Protection legislation and General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
Data matching by the Cabinet Office is subject to a Code of Practice.
You can view information on what data we share and the Cabinet Office's legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information.