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Measures designed to stop organisations using the Data Protection Act as “a false excuse for their own shortcomings,” were announced by the government, writes Sally Gillen.

Information commissioner Richard Thomas said: “It is ridiculous that organisations should hide behind data protection as a smokescreen for practices which no reasonable person would ever find acceptable.”

The measures include strengthening the data protection helpline to ensure swift assistance to organisations concerned about problems interpreting the act and a commitment to plain English in all communications on it.

Thomas added that the data protection principles were “largely matters of common sense and fairness, but data protection can never be a set of detailed 'dos' and 'don’ts'”.

The move to provide better help for organisations in interpreting the law follows long-standing confusion within the sector about when to apply it.

Last October, a couple in their eighties died after their gas was cut off for non-payment of a £140 bill. British Gas had claimed they were unable to inform social services they had disconnected their gas because of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Humberside police also said it deleted details of allegations against Ian Huntley to comply with the law.