Budget cuts hit 'snooping' watchdog

David Cameron's surveillance watchdog says government cost-cutting will have a "serious" impact upon his ability to detect unlawful snooping by police and council officials.

In a report to the Prime Minister, Sir Christopher Rose said a nine per cent cut in funding imposed by Home Secretary Theresa May meant that he had to cut the number of staff inspecting the conduct of those carrying out surveillance - despite public pressure for greater checks.

He also warned that people should not be "lulled into a false sense of confidence" about his ability to monitor surveillance activities by public bodies and that he could not guarantee that all covert operations were carried out lawfully.

Sir Christopher said he was "broadly satisfied" that public bodies were "generally acting in a manner" that complies with the law.

He warns, however, that budget cuts mean that his ability to conduct checks has been weakened. The report said: "I recognise the severity of the country's financial situation, but a reduction of nine per cent has serious operational repercussions in a tiny organisation."