PAYE2001 - background: data protection act: introduction

The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) gives legal rights to individuals about whom information is recorded on computer or in structured clerical filing systems.

Under the provisions of the Act individuals have the right to

• Know whether information about them is held on computer or clerical records and to be supplied with a copy of that information
• Claim compensation if they suffer damage or distress by any breach of the legislation
• Have inaccurate data erased or corrected
• Complain to the Information Commissioner about any breach of the Act

The Data Protection (SAR) Unit DPU is responsible for all administrative aspects subject to subject aspect requests of the DPA within the Department.

All relevant contacts in relation to any Data Protection issues can be found on the Information Disclosure website.

All Subject Access Officers and Customer Relations Managers receive training and relevant literature (including booklet 'A Guide to the Roles and Responsibilities of the Data Protection Officer). You can obtain information about specific items of data protection by requesting it from your Customer Service Manager.

You must be particularly careful when entering notes in the free format fields on taxpayer records

• Do not make an entry which could cause offence or that you would not want the taxpayer to see
• Remember that the contents will appear on screen prints issued as a result of applications under this Act