Have They Broken The Data Protection Law?

[chrissa1]

I posted in Personal Finance earlier today about a Bailiff turning up at my old house about Council Tax arrears that got forgotten about when my husband died.
He has found out my new address, I'm assuming from the Council. Have they breached the Data Protection Laws or are they able to do this?

[jackthehat]

No, they haven't..........yes they are, I'm afraid.

[chrissa1]

Short and sweet. Thanks.

[JimmyCooper]

The first place to look for someones address is the electoral register which is a public document

[chrissa1]

But I've only just moved here.

[ummmm]

But you do owe the council money....they are allowed to pass on your new address to try and collect that money.

Addresses are not private...

[ChuckFickens]

Errr.... actually an address is personal data and covered by the data protection act. but in this instance the data has been used for perfectly reasonable purpose under the act.

[chrissa1]

Ok Guys. I just asked!

[AlBags]

They will usually find out one way or another.
Utility companies are good at helping out with names/addresses unfortunately. The council can/do use them.
Watch your car doesn't get clamped in interim. Park it in another road not too near your new place until the problem is sorted. Bailiffs know this as a kind of entrapment method to get payment quicker.

[chrissa1]

Car? What car??

[anneasquith]

chrissa, i hope you get things sorted quickly, lovely avatar,

[sherrardk]

You mentioned a car in a different post.

[chrissa1]

I was being ironic sherrardk.