Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Huma Younis or Joseph Jones
Media
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chairman to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Graham Ellwood and Anthony Mitchell. |
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: 01 DECEMBER 2015
To approve the minutes of the meeting held on (1 December 2015) as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes:
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members of the Panel in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: There were no declarations of interest to declare. |
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To receive any public questions.
Note: Written questions from the public can be submitted no later than seven days prior to the published date of the annual or any ordinary public meeting, for which the Commissioner will be invited to provide a written response by noon on the day before the meeting, which will be circulated to Panel Members and the questioner. Additional documents: Minutes: The Panel received one public question, the question and response was tabled at the meeting.
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Papers to follow.
The Police and Crime Panel is required to consider and formally respond to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proposed Precept for 2016/17.
Note:
In accordance with the Police and Crime Panels (Precepts and Chief Constable Appointments) Regulations 2012:
(a) The Commissioner must notify the Panel of his proposed precept by 1 February 2016;
(b) The Panel must review and make a report to the Commissioner on the proposed precept (whether it vetoes the precept or not) by 8 February 2016;
(c) If the Panel vetoes the precept, the Commissioner must have regard to and respond to the Panel’s report, and publish his response, including the revised precept, by 15 February 2016;
(d) The Panel, on receipt of a response from the Commissioner notifying it of his revised precept, must review the revised precept and make a second report to the Commissioner by 22 February 2016 (there is no second right of veto);
(e) The Commissioner must have regard to and respond to the Panel’s second report and publish his response by 1 March 2016. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) informed the Panel that he was required to set a budget for the next financial year and proposed to increase the council tax precept element by 1.99 per cent. The PCC noted that they had followed advice from the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s financial statement in Autumn 2015 which advocated PCCs raising precept levels to ensure police funding remained stable. The PCC noted that he had used his media profile to lobby for better resources for the Police and that he was pleased with the announcement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
2. The PCC noted that during his time as the PCC there have been difficult challenges with diminishing resources and that the PCC proposed to the Panel to increase the council tax precept. The PCC also emphasised that Surrey Police were the only force in the country that had increased its police officer numbers. The PCC opened the discussion for questions.
3. A Panel member noted that there was no problem with an increase in the precept, however the member queried how Surrey Police were going to spend this money and stated that savings should not be spent on paying the pensions deficit.
4. The PCC agreed and noted that there had been an underspend this year due to ceasing recruitment and reducing back-office functions and that Surrey Police had taken the step to use some of this underspend to reduce the pension deficit. There was no plan in the budget to pay off pension deficit. The PCC noted that in the year ahead, Surrey Police were planning to spend money on more police officers as well as financing mobile data terminals. The PCC also noted that they had signed a contract to introduce body-worn video cameras that will benefit police officers and the public by reducing paperwork, more visibility and to keep the police officers and the public accountable through recorded video.
5. The Chairman still challenged the PCC on the amount of money being spent on pensions with the PCC reiterating that there was no budgetary provision to pay off the deficit. Additional monies raised through the precept would be for frontline policing including an additional £2 million for improving public protection. The PCC noted however, that paying of the pension deficit would enable the force to recruit more officers in the long term.
6. A Panel member noted that there was still too much money being spent on pensions and that money should be left aside for emergency purposes as well as investing money into the 101 call service as it needed investment.
7. The PCC emphasised that there was no plan to put any money into the pension fund however Surrey Police will continue to reduce the debt as well as reduce the long-term funding. The PCC informed the Panel that Surrey Police have a reserve minimum of £6 million as well as an operational reserve of £1 million and £1.5 ... view the full minutes text for item 5/16 |
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POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER MONTH 9 2015/16 FINANCIAL REPORT
This report is to inform the Police & Crime Panel of the OPCC’s financial performance at Month 9 for the 2015/16 financial year. The report compares the expenditure and income incurred and received by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, against the financial budget approved by the PCC in February 2015, as at Month 9 for the financial year 2015/16.
Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. A member of the Panel asked for more clarification around the ACPO budget. The PCC stated that this budget included the budget for the Joint Emergency Services Improvement Programme (JESIP) and budget for Operation Heather. The PCC stated that this budget was given to Chief Officers in Surrey to control themselves. The PCC stated that he would find a better title to use for this budget and would provide the Panel with more details around what this budget contains.
2. A Panel member expressed concern that the Junior Citizen Scheme had been pushed back because of the purdah period in advance of the upcoming PCC elections. The Panel member went onto ask for details around the funding and finances for the election process.
5. The PCC reaffirmed that the PCC’s election campaign would be funded through his own personal investment and nothing is taken from the OPCC budget.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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POLICE AND CRIME PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
The Police and Crime Panel for Surrey scrutinises the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Surrey, Kevin Hurley, overseeing progress against the published Police and Crime Plan.
In March 2015 the PCC reviewed and updated the Police and Crime Plan to put additional focus on:
· Improving funding for Surrey Police · Joint Enforcement and Joint Working · Embedding victim services and developing support for children · Roads Policing · Counter Terrorism
Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. A Panel member noted that there was emphasis on more visible policing and wanted clarification around the PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) current powers and if there were any plans to increase these powers. The powers available to PCSOs were limited and the PCC was working with the Chief Constable to grant further powers to PCSOs. The PCC stated that he would provide the Panel with a list of current powers of PCSOs and details of where he believed these powers could be increased.
2. The PCC explained that there had been a reduction in the number of PCSOs as when savings were needed to be made these were the roles to be cut first as these officers did not hold as many powers as warranted officers. Additionally, some PCSOs had become Police Officers. Further to this, the PCC commented that the PCSOs did extremely good work and their work was valuable.
3. A Panel member expressed concern that anti-social behaviour had increased in the Panel member’s ward due to the cut to funding in youth services. The PCC noted that Surrey Youth services do a great job and would go back and check if there has been increased reporting of this.
4. The Treasurer noted that £2 million had been invested into local projects and services around the county through community safety funding. This funding is available to all but some district and boroughs had not taken advantage of this.
5. A Panel member noted the great success of implementing the JET in Reigate and Banstead. The PCC stated that he would like to see parking enforcement designated to PCSOs and had been liaising with the County Council’s portfolio holder for transport who would be checking the legality of this.
6. A Panel member asked whether the new JETs will receive funding. The PCC stated that he was committed to fund any authorities looking to join the JET programme. He was aware that Tandridge and Runnymede were looking to join the programme.
7. The Panel member also noted that the performance scorecard still needed improvement with regards to crime victim satisfaction rates. The PCC informed the Board that the treatment to vulnerable victims’ satisfaction rates was something the OPCC were looking into. The Positive outcomes were something that needed to be improved on however there had been a significant increase in the outcomes for victims of sexual violence and domestic violence crimes because more people were coming forward. The PCC noted that the positive outcomes for burglary and that there had been a massive reduction to burglary over the last 3 years which is greatly due to the work of the temporary Chief Constable.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Kevin Hurley, holds bi-monthly management meetings with the Chief Constable and appropriate members of their senior team. The attached paper summarises the issues raised at the Management Meetings held since the Police & Crime Panel last met.
Additional documents: Minutes: RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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RECRUITMENT OF CHIEF CONSTABLE
The appointment of a Chief Constable is the responsibility of the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC). PCC Kevin Hurley has announced that, in the interests of democracy and fairness to whomever the PCC may be post-May, he will delay any selection and appointment until after the PCC elections. This report sets out details of the recruitment process and likely timescales.
Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. The PCC informed the Panel that it was important to have a Chief Constable installed into position as soon as possible. The PCC praised the interim Chief Constable for the work he had done.
2. The PCC emphasised that he has taken the decision that whoever is elected as PCC in May should decide who is recruited as new Chief Constable. The Panel respected the fairness of the decision to elect a new Chief Constable after the PCC election.
3. A Panel member raised the concern of the lack of time between the short listing and the interview process.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None.
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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HMIC INSPECTION ON CHILD PROTECTION
The Chairman of the Police and Crime Panel has asked to receive an update on Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) Inspection on Child Protection. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. The Chairman asked for clarification around the wording of a table within the report on page 45. The PCC noted that the comparison should be made against last year and this would be corrected. The PCC emphasised that improvements had been made across the board.
2. The Chairman queried what was being done to ensure greater clarity around the delivery of child protection strategies and action plans. The PCC stated that they had discussions to enhance the training of detectives and increase recruitment. An additional £4.9M had been put into public protection and continued scrutiny of the plans would continue.
3. A Panel member asked whether the PCC was happy with the support from HMIC. The PCC noted that he was not confident with the support from HMIC. The PCC also informed the Panel that resources had been moved to support public protection. The Senior Officer Team were aware of the concerns and this was the main effort of Surrey Police. The PCC stated that there were lots of dedicated people working for Surrey Police who had done good work.
4. The PCC stated that when a new Chief Constable was appointed they could come and speak to the Panel about how they are supporting public protection.
5. A Panel member informed that there were some grammatical errors in the report as well as missing dates. The Panel member also asked who produced the Public Protection improvement Plan. The PCC informed the Panel that the plan was produced by a member of staff for the Chief Constable.
6. Further to this, the Panel member asked whether a short-term uplift to SIU detective numbers was sufficient, page 64 of the agenda. The PCC replied that as it was an operational question, the PCC could not answer that.
7. A Panel member inquired who the public protection strategy team were. The PCC responded that they had acquired outside contractors to improve the skills gap and mentor existing staff/officers within the public protection teams. The PCC noted these were previously police officers with experience.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None.
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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REPORT ON INDEPENDENT MEMBERS OF THE POLICE & CRIME PANEL
As the terms of office for the Co-opted Independent Members of the Surrey Police and Crime Panel are due to come to an end in May 2016, the Chairman of the Police and Crime Panel has asked for a report outlining options that can be taken by the Panel in respect of the co-opted independent positions on the panel. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. The Chairman notified the Panel that Independent Panel Member Anne Hoblyn was not intending to re-stand for another term on the Panel.
2. The Chairman and the Panel thanked Independent Panel Member Anne Hoblyn for her commitment and service to the Panel. The Independent Panel Member Anne Hoblyn thanked the Panel.
3. The Chairman notified the Panel that there was a recommendation in the report for Independent Panel Member Bryan Cross to stay on the Panel for a second term. Victor Broad proposed that the Panel extend the terms of office for Bryan Cross, this was seconded by Charlotte Morley.
4. The Panel agreed for the Independent member to proceed with a second term on the Panel. The Independent Member was happy to stay on the Panel for another term.
5. It was explained that the recruitment process for one new independent member would begin.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel agreed to reappoint and extend the term of office for the current independent co-opted member for a further four years.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None.
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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COMPLAINTS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING
To note complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner received since the last meeting of the Police and Crime Panel. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None.
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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RECOMMENDATIONS TRACKER AND FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME
To review the Recommendations Tracker and Forward Work Programme. Additional documents: Minutes: RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None.
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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VERBAL UPDATE ON ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS
To receive a verbal update on any ongoing investigations. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
1. The PCC informed the Panel that the Coroners Case into the Deepcut investigation was still ongoing and would be supported as necessary.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None.
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None.
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 18 MAY 2016
The date of the next Police and Crime Panel meeting is Wednesday18 May 2016. Additional documents: Minutes: The next public meeting will be held on Wednesday 18 May 2016 at 10.30am.
· The Chairman invited the PCC to describe his achievements as the Police Crime Commissioner for Surrey.
· The PCC listed his achievements as well as the achievements of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Surrey Police as a whole. The PCC thanked the OPCC and Surrey Police for all their hard work.
· The PCC thanked the Chairman and the Police and Crime Panel for their cooperation and partnership.
· The Chairman and the Panel thanked the PCC for the work he had done during his term as the PCC.
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