If you think your private data is safe with the people who help run the country, you’re rather sadly mistaken. A recent Freedom of Information request by The Mail for information regarding unauthorised access to of the UK’s tax and benefit mega-database by council staff revealed scary results. Last year, there were 124 security breaches in tax and benefits department, compared to 20 the year before.

The UK council holds the tax and benefits information of 85 million people and to think that council workers are abusing that makes your blood boil. However, what troubles me more is the fact that the council is not properly punishing its workers that snoop into personal files. A few are dismissed and others are slapped on the wrist, but the majority are left to get on with it. Not a great security system I must say.