COUNCILS that delay giving care-experienced people access to their records could face enforcement orders and fines, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) today.

The data watchdog issued the warning after an investigation that found that adults who had spent time in residential care as children often endured a “lengthy, demoralising and often traumatic process” as they tried to access personal details such as social worker reports and photographs to get to know “their own story.”

A survey for the ICO found 71 per cent faced poor communication from the council, while 69 per cent said the process took longer than expected, with some waiting as long as 16 years.

Some received records which were heavily redacted, with 59 per cent saying they did not contain enough information, while 87 per cent were left with questions and concerns.

In a stark message to councils across England, Scotland, Wales and the six counties, Information Commissioner John Edwards said: “It is your job to ensure you comply with the law and implement good practice measures to reduce harm.

“If you fail to comply, my office will take action.”