Key
points raised during the discussion:
- The PCC
introduced the report outlining the budget proposed for the Office
of the PCC by informing Members that a substantial amount of
funding was received from the Government to deal with Victim
Services and that this was entirely separate from the
budget.
- The PCC was
pleased to report that in setting the 2017/18 budget for the OPCC
he had achieved a saving compared with the previous year’s
budget. This was due to the reshaping of the budget by reducing
staff members and putting a sharper focus on services for
residents, especially vulnerable residents.
- The Panel
noted that some funds had been put to one side for contingencies.
These include plans for the Estate Strategy and the possibility of
Fire and Rescue Service governance changes.
- The
Treasurer informed the Panel that another increased cost the PCC
would be expecting would be from employing a Sergeant to run the
Volunteer Cadets Force.
- It was also
highlighted that the PCC was setting up a grant for the Community
Safety Board (CSB) in the sum of £50,000. This would allow
the CSB to effectively pump prime any projects or plans that will
improve community safety across Surrey.
- It was
further noted that the PCC is including within the OPCC budget a
total of £75,000 for consultancy and project work, which
would give the PCC sufficient resource to provide adequate support
for new areas of activity.
- Despite
these increases the Office budget would still achieve a gross
saving of £31,370.
- A Member requested more information
regarding the rise in audit fees. The Treasurer explained the Joint
Audit Committee determines the audit programme and the rates are
charged on a daily rate basis. The number of days fluctuating
according to the number of days that are authorised by the Joint
Independent Audit Committee, who will increase audit coverage where
there are identifiable areas of concern which can lead to higher
fees.
- Following the discussions around
auditing, the Panel noted that Surrey Police’s internal and
external auditors were separate firms. Members were advised that
Surrey Police internal auditors were RSM Tenon and their external
auditors were Grant Thornton.
- A Member
expressed positive feedback on the increase of funding for the
Community Safety Fund and queried whether the process for bids on
this fund would be the same as the previous year. The PCC advised
that the system for allocating grants has changed, which is now
operating under a two tier system. Any applications for amounts
under £5,000 was simple and could be applied for online.
However amounts over £5,000 would mean identifying partners
and looking to work with them longer term.
- The
PCC’s office was commended for reducing expenditure and
achieving savings for the year.
- It was
noted that the HMIC publish statistics on the performance of OPCC
offices across the Country. In comparison to other forces the
Surrey OPCC did reasonably well. However not every office recorded
or measured their costs in the same way which made comparisons
difficult.
- It was
stated that only 8% of the communication budget has been used and
the PCC was asked whether he was satisfied with this. Members were
informed at this stage that the PCC was comfortable with the level
of communication with residents. The PCC welcomed any invitations
from members and was keen to attend if his diary
permitted.
- There was a
discussion around ‘In the know’ system and how this had
replaced the old neighbourhood watch communication system. The
Chairman indicated that it would be useful to have an item on the
new system at the next Panel meeting. The PCC noted this suggestion
and agreed to have this added to the Forward Work
Programme.
- It was
highlighted that in previous years Surrey Police employed retired
Police Officers. A Member asked whether these Officers were
recognised in the staff head count or as Police Officers. The PCC
confirmed that these Officers were included as Police
staff.
RESOLVED:
The Panel noted the budget updates.
ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE RPOVIDED:
R2/17- For an item on the new community messaging
system ‘In the know, Surrey and Sussex’
to be added to the next Panel meeting agenda.