Councils Failing to Protect Data: How Victims Can Claim Thousands in Compensation

Local authorities across the UK are entrusted with some of our most sensitive personal information – from National Insurance numbers and bank details to medical records and children’s safeguarding files. Yet, year after year, councils failing to protect data make headlines through preventable breaches that expose thousands of residents to risk.

The Data Leak Lawyers has recovered millions of pounds for victims of these incidents, and we are seeing a sharp rise in successful claims. You can find out quickly if we are able to help you by contacting our team for a free, no-obligation discussion about your options for justice here now.

Why Councils Failing to Protect Data Remains a Persistent Problem

Despite the introduction of the UK GDPR and hefty fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), councils failing to protect data continues to occur at an alarming rate. Common causes can include:

• Sending unencrypted emails containing personal data
• Losing unencrypted memory sticks or laptops
• Accidental publication of spreadsheets with hidden tabs of sensitive information
• Failing to redact documents properly before disclosure
• Using outdated or unpatched IT systems
• Insufficient staff training on data protection obligations

In 2024 alone, the ICO recorded huge numbers of personal data breaches reported by local authorities. Many more incidents often go unreported or are only discovered months later.

With many councils failing to protect data in this way, they can be in clear breach of several key Articles of the UK GDPR, which can create a legal right for affected individuals to claim compensation – even if they have not yet suffered identity theft or financial loss. Non-material damage, such as distress, anxiety, and loss of control over personal data, is now fully compensable following landmark court rulings.

Real Cases, Real Compensation: What Councils Can Be Liable For

The Data Leak Lawyers has represented clients in some of the largest group actions against UK councils.

Even in “minor” incidents – such as an employee accidentally attaching the wrong spreadsheet – courts have awarded thousands of pounds for distress alone. The law is now firmly on the side of the individual, not the responsible bodies.

How to Start Your Claim with The Data Leak Lawyers Today

Taking action can be straightforward and completely worry-free:

1. Check if you were affected – many councils only notify a fraction of victims.
2. Contact our specialist team for a free case assessment (no obligation).
3. We operate on a genuine no-win, no-fee basis – meaning that you can claim worry-free.

Time limits apply; you generally have a set period of years from the date of a breach or the date you discovered the breach (sometimes just one year if it involves human rights claims), but the sooner you act, the easier it can be to gather evidence and secure the best outcome.

If you have received a breach notification letter from a council, or suspect your data may have been compromised, you could be entitled to significant compensation.

Do not let councils failing to protect data go unpunished. Contact The Data Leak Lawyers today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Call 0800 634 7575 or visit our website here now to start your claim now and join the thousands of people we have already helped secure justice.

Claiming Compensation for Unauthorised Data Sharing: Your Rights Explained