Push for 'snooper's charter'

Public bodies indicated yesterday that they would push to be given powers under a new law that has been described as a "snooper's charter".

Police and security services will be able to track suspects through their use of emails and websites but other authorities have not been named in the new legislation.

The UK Border Agency told MPs that it needed the powers contained in the Communications Data Bill to keep up with the technological advances enjoyed by criminals.

Councils will also argue they should be able to keep powers to access information about phone calls, to help them fight benefit fraud.