It is interesting to note that Bradford Council has scaled back its covert surveillance operations.

In the past these have been used to crack down on everything from fly-tipping to internal fraud and at their peak, in 2006/07, more than 200 such investigations were being carried out across the district: last year that figure fell to just 32.

It seems the reason for this spectacular reduction is that overt operations can actually be more effective – especially in noisy neighbour probes which accounted for a large number of that 200-plus total.

So now, instead of secretly taping the subjects of noise complaints, officers inform them outright that they will be monitored.

This approach is said to be more effective, possibly because it makes people toe the line.

The fact that it also means less spying will come as a relief to many who are uncomfortable with the idea of local or national government officers carrying out covert surveillance on members of the public.

That concern is entirely understandable, for people, in the normal course of events, have a right to go about their business without such attention.

However, there are also times when the Council is justified in carrying out such operations and it is important that it retains the authority, ability and will to carry them out, subject to the appropriate checks and balances, when required.