From 1 April 2026, Rugby Borough Council will become the organisation responsible for operating and managing public space CCTV in Rugby town centre and the surrounding areas. This follows the conclusion of the council’s CCTV service agreement with Rugby First Limited.
The Council will continue to operate CCTV to support a safe and welcoming town centre and will ensure that the system is used legally, transparently and in the public interest.
The council will be carrying out a full review of the existing CCTV network, including camera performance, coverage and technical quality. This is to ensure the system remains effective, up to date, and compliant with national standards.
During 2026, the Council will introduce new cameras and updated technology within the existing CCTV zone. All new equipment will remain within the current coverage area and will be installed following completion of the required assessments.
Public space CCTV in Rugby is used for the following purposes:
Rugby Borough Council is the Data Controller for the public space CCTV system.
The system will be operated in accordance with:
The Council’s lawful basis for processing CCTV images is public task (Article 6(1)(e) UK GDPR) - carrying out a function in the public interest, including duties under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) will be completed before new equipment is introduced, and the system will be kept under regular review.
Updated CCTV signage will be in place before the Council begins operation of the system.
CCTV footage is kept for a limited period in line with the Council’s retention policy, unless it is required for an investigation or legal proceedings.
Individuals can request access to images of themselves captured by the CCTV system.
Further details on information rights are available on the council’s main Privacy and Data Protection pages.
If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact:
cctv@rugby.gov.uk or write to:
Environmental Health and Community Safety Manager Rugby Borough Council Town Hall Evreux Way Rugby CV22 1RR
Rugby Borough Council operates a Public Space Surveillance CCTV scheme covering Rugby town centre and key public locations across the wider Borough. The purpose of the scheme is to support community safety, crime reduction, public reassurance, and the protection of vulnerable people.
The Council owns and is responsible for the CCTV system. Live monitoring of the active operational network is delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) from their Control Room 24 hours a day, under a formal partnership arrangement.
You can read WMCA’s Public Space Surveillance Code of Practice here:
https://www.wmca.org.uk/documents/policies/cctv-code-of-practice/
All activity is compliant with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, issued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and updated in 2021/2022.
Until 31 March 2026, the Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) system in Rugby town centre was owned and operated by Rugby First Limited (Rugby BID Company).
During this period:
• Rugby First Limited owned all cameras, equipment and supporting CCTV infrastructure.
• It was wholly responsible for operation and management, including monitoring arrangements, data handling, and maintenance.
• Rugby Borough Council had a financial arrangement with Rugby First to operate the CCTV service as part of its community safety responsibilities.
• The Council’s involvement was financial and strategic, not operational.
This arrangement ended on 31 March 2026, and the system transferred to full Council ownership.
From 1 April 2026, Rugby Borough Council assumed full ownership and responsibility for town centre Public Space Surveillance.
The Council is carrying out a phased modernisation programme, upgrading cameras, infrastructure and supporting technology across the Borough. These upgrades are designed to:
• Improve image quality
• Strengthen system resilience
• Enhance compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code
• Embed data protection by design and default in line with ICO guidance
During the upgrade period, WMCA provides monitoring for the active operational network, and newly upgraded cameras are added to the system as they come online.
Due to technology replacement, infrastructure updates and standard retention periods, Rugby Borough Council may not hold CCTV footage recorded before 1 April 2026.
Where historic footage is unavailable, this will be confirmed in response to requests.
Footage availability depends on whether a camera was part of the active operational network at the time of recording.
Some CCTV equipment may have advanced technical features, but Rugby Borough Council does not use facial recognition or automated analytics in its Public Space Surveillance system.
Purpose of the CCTV System
The system is operated for purposes that are necessary, proportionate and pursue a legitimate aim, including:
• Preventing and detecting crime
• Reducing the fear of crime
• Supporting police and emergency services
• Enhancing public safety
• Protecting vulnerable individuals
• Assisting investigations and legal proceedings where appropriate
The Public Space Surveillance system complies with:
• Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (PoFA 2012)
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (only where covert surveillance is lawfully authorised; public space CCTV is overt)
Rugby Borough Council is the System Operator and Data Controller.
WMCA is the System User for monitoring the live operational network.
The CCTV system covers key public areas across Rugby Borough, including:
• Rugby Town Centre
• Selected Council‑owned parks
• Selected community locations
• Other high footfall or higher‑risk areas
Cameras operate overtly, with signage displayed in line with the Surveillance Camera Code and ICO guidance.
• Monitoring is provided by trained, security‑vetted WMCA operators.
• WMCA monitors the active operational CCTV network, applying strict procedures for observation, recording, incident escalation and information sharing.
• As the upgraded network expands, newly connected cameras are incorporated into the monitoring system.
We ensure that:
• Cameras are installed and reviewed to minimise intrusion
• Recording is limited to public areas
• Privacy considerations are embedded into deployment and upgrades (DPIAs, design reviews)
• Footage is stored securely using encrypted systems
• Access is restricted to authorised personnel
• All processing activity is logged
Footage is retained only for as long as necessary unless required for:
• Police investigations
• Legal proceedings
• Subject Access Requests
• Complaint or incident reviews
Individuals may request footage of themselves. Requests must include:
• Date, time and location
• Proof of identity
• Sufficient detail to enable an accurate search
Please note, the Council may not hold footage recorded before 1 April 2026.
Footage is disclosed only where:
• A lawful request is made
• Disclosure is necessary and proportionate
• Data protection law is met
To ensure responsible operation, Rugby Borough Council:
• Completes the ICO CCTV self‑assessment regularly
• Reviews camera deployment and system necessity annually
• Publishes a yearly summary report once the upgraded system is fully operational
WMCA, as the System User:
• Maintains a daily operational log of surveillance‑related activity within the monitored network
• Records incident handling, system checks and operational responses for accountability
Rugby Borough Council maintains the following documents for transparency and compliance:
• Explains what data we collect, why, our lawful basis, retention policies and your rights.
• Completed in line with ICO and Surveillance Camera Commissioner guidance.
• To be published once the upgraded system is fully operational.
By email - cctv@rugby.gov.uk
By post -
Environmental Health and Community Safety Manager
Rugby Borough Council
Town Hall
Evreux Way
Rugby
CV22 1RR