ECO 4 Privacy Notice
ECO4 is an energy efficiency scheme to assist fuel poor households and people vulnerable to the cold.
ECO4 connects residents with private sector installers that are contracted to deliver energy efficiency improvements through the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO), including those eligible through receipt of qualifying benefits and through the councils' published Statement of Intent (SOI) for Local Authority ECO Flexible Eligibility. Other funding sources will also be sourced on behalf of residents (e.g. Government grants and Warm Homes Fund).
Data Controllers
City of Lincoln Council are joint data controllers for the purposes of the ECO4 scheme along with the other Central and South Lincolnshire local authorities:
North Kesteven District Council; South Kesteven District Council; and West Lindsey District Council.
What we use your personal data for
Personal data is needed for ECO4 to establish potential eligibility and make the appropriate referral(s); and without such data residents will not be able to access the scheme.
Once data has been passed on to an ECO4 provider to access the ECO scheme and other funding it will be used by them to establish eligibility for funding heating and insulation improvements.
Our lawful basis for processing the personal data
We must have a legal basis to process your personal data. Where we use personal data for the purposes for ECO4 the sections of the law that apply are:
GDPR Article 6(1)(e) – processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller
For special category data (e.g. information about health conditions)
GDPR Article 9(2)(i) – processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest, on the basis of Union or UK law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and interests of the data subject;
The Health and Social Care Act 2012 places a duty on local authorities to commission public health services. Fuel poverty is a Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) indicator and as such the L4WH scheme is seen as a public health service.
District Councils may exercise the official authority provided to them by Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 in meeting statutory functions in relation to the delivery of public health services.
In addition, Sections 36 and 37 of The Digital Economy Act 2017 allows local authorities and energy suppliers to pass data between each other for the purpose of tackling fuel poverty.
Who will we share your personal data with?
Data will be shared between Central and South Lincolnshire local authorities, ECO4 providers on a rotation basis, and funders (e.g. OFGEN, Government departments as required).
If other services related to fuel poverty would be beneficial then signposting to the relevant local authority departments and other agencies will be made (e.g. Benefits or Citizens advice for benefit entitlement checks and Fire and Rescue for a Safe and Well Check.
Using your personal information for other purposes
We will not process your personal data for any other purpose than that for which it was collected, without first providing you with information on that other purpose and seeking your consent if applicable; except were we are required to disclose your personal data in accordance with legislation for example in relation to the prevention and detection of crime, counter terrorism, safeguarding, legal proceedings or to protect interests of you or another.
Transfers of personal data to a third country
Data is not routinely transferred to a third country but it is possible ECO installers might need to pass data to the energy supplier(s) they receive the ECO funding from, who might be owned by a company registered in another country.
How long we will retain your personal data for
Data will be held by City of Lincoln Council for six years from completion of the case in accordance with the Limitation Act 1980.
What are my rights in relation to my personal data?
You have the right to access the personal data we hold about you; to request we rectify or erase your personal data; to object to or restrict processing in certain circumstances; and a right of data portability in certain circumstances.
Who can I complain to?
If you want to know more about your rights relating to the personal data we hold about you or you have a complaint regarding the way we have handled your personal information please contact our Data Protection Officer City at: Lincoln City Council, City Hall, Beaumont Fee, LN1 1DD, Telephone 01522 881188 or email dpo@lincoln.gov.uk
If however you remain unhappy, then you have a right to complain to the Information Commissioner at: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5A, Telephone: 0303 123 1113 or visit www.ico.org.uk or email casework@ico.org.uk