The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance on the use of PIAs. The ICO envisages PIAs only being used where a project is of such a wide scope, or will use personal information of such a nature, that there would be genuine risks to the privacy of the individual. PIAs will usually be recommended where a change of the law would be required, new and intrusive technology is being used, or where private or sensitive information which was originally collected for a limited purpose is going to be re-used in a new and unexpected way.
I am advised that the Valuation Office Agency’s geographical information system project does not pose a risk to the privacy of an individual.