Gloucester City Council has issued an apology after a family found a security camera installed inside their home.
The council confirmed that a redundant CCTV camera had been left behind in a temporary accommodation property it owns in the Coney Hill area. The equipment remained in place despite new tenants moving in earlier this month (September).
Upon being informed of the issue by the tenants, the council promptly removed the camera. The family has chosen not to comment publicly on the situation.
READ MORE: Concerns Raised Over Parking as Gloucester Tower Block Demolition Plan Advances
In an official statement, the council explained: “Enquiries indicate that the CCTV equipment was originally installed for security purposes when the property had a different use prior to the council purchasing it in 2021.
“Earlier this summer, alterations to the building were made, including changes to its layout and use.
“There is no evidence that any images have been viewed since the property’s current use began, nor for some considerable time prior to that.
“The Gloucestershire Police have confirmed that this matter does not require their involvement and no further action is necessary.
“We acknowledge the concern caused to the family who moved in this month and have extended our sincerest apologies to them.
“Further inspections of other council-owned homes in the city have established that this was an isolated incident, with no other CCTV cameras identified.”
The installation of CCTV by landlords requires a legitimate purpose and must consider tenants’ privacy rights. According to Citizens Advice, landlords may need to inform or consult tenants before installing such equipment, and clear notices should be displayed to notify individuals they are being recorded, including contact details for access to footage.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance stating: “The CCTV owner must demonstrate that their interests outweigh any invasion of privacy for others.”
Government guidance updated in May 2026 reinforces that domestic CCTV systems must be operated responsibly with respect to privacy. It highlights that the ICO receives numerous complaints from neighbours concerned about being spied upon and urges operators to be transparent about their CCTV usage.