Data Protection information for Council tenants
Data Protection and Privacy
Under data protection laws Winchester City Council is required to let you know how and why the personal information that you have provided is used.
Your tenancy file will usually include information about you and your household such as your name, address, contact details and date of birth. Details of your employment, financial situation, and benefit entitlement may be included, along with letters you send to us, or that we have sent to you. Your tenancy file may also include sensitive information if you have given this to us. For example:
- Your ethnic origin
- Your faith and religion
- Your care and support needs, disability, health and medical information.
Collecting this information helps us to provide you with the best service we can.
As well as providing housing services to you, your information may be used for the following purposes:
Equality Monitoring
We aim to treat everyone fairly and equally. You do not have to provide information about your ethnic origin/disability/gender or sexuality but any information you provide will help us to monitor the delivery of services effectively, and make improvements.
Exceptional Circumstances
In certain circumstances the law allows us to share some information with third parties, even if you have not given consent. For example, in a life or death situation or in order to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable children or adults.
Prevention and Detection of Crime, including Fraud
We may use information you have provided for the prevention and detection of fraud and in doing so will share your information with others. For example, we are required to provide the Cabinet Office with information about tenants to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. More information about this initiative can be found on the following link -
Other departments of the Council
Sometimes information will be shared with other parts of the Council. For example information may be given to Electoral Registration Services, Council Tax and Benefits in order to provide that service and as required by law.
Partner organisations
Information will be shared with organisations that provide services on behalf of the Council - this will include, for example contractors who carry out repairs to your home.
If you would like further information about our data protection and privacy policies, including how to access your personal information, please see: