UPDATE ON ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT AND DATA HANDLING

Meopham Parish Council would like to update plot holders on the transfer of allotment records from the Meopham & District Allotment Association (MDAA).

1. Lawful Transfer of Information
Before providing the Plotmaster database, the MDAA Lettings Officer contacted the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO confirmed that sharing tenant information with the Council is lawful, as the Council owns the land and is resuming management of the site.

2. Why the Council Holds Your Information
As landlord, the Council requires this information to:
• Manage the allotment site
• Administer tenancy agreements
• Meet its legal responsibilities
This use of personal data is permitted under data protection legislation.

3. Accuracy of Records
The MDAA has since indicated that some details within the data may be inaccurate. As the provider of the data, the MDAA is responsible for the accuracy of the information it supplied. The Council will update and verify records as part of normal ongoing management.

4. Additional Information Requested
To help ensure the records are correct, the Council has asked the MDAA to provide:
• Details of any information believed to be inaccurate
• Any missing information required to confirm tenancy status

5. Clarifying Recent Messages
A recent communication from the MDAA suggested that a data breach had occurred.
For clarity, the ICO had already confirmed that transferring the information to the Council was lawful.
The Council has therefore asked the MDAA to update its communication to reflect this.

Further Clarification
We are aware that some plot holders may have received differing or unclear information regarding the future management of the allotments.
If you have any concerns or require accurate, up to date details, please contact Meopham Parish Council directly.

Questions? We’re here to help.
Clerk – Meopham Parish Council
Phone: 01474 813779 Email: enquiries@meopham-pc.gov.uk