Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Collett and Cllr Barry.

To enable Members to declare to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest is not already entered in their appointing authority’s register of interests, and any other pecuniary or personal interests in any such matter that Members may wish to consider disclosing.

Members were able to disclose to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest they may have in any matter on the agenda for the meeting, where that interest is not already entered in their appointing authority’s register of interests, and any other pecuniary or personal interest in any such matter that Members may wish to disclose.

No declarations were made.

To confirm the minutes from the previous meeting.

With a correction to note that Cllr Craig had been in attendance, the Minutes from the meeting of the Panel on 26 January 2018 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive any questions or deputations in line with Rule 31 and 31A of the Panel’s Rules of Procedure.

It was explained that correspondence regarding a deputation had been received from a representative of the Police Federation, however it had not been possible within the Panel’s Terms of Reference.

To hear any announcements the Chairman may have for this meeting.

The Chairman took the opportunity to thank Members and in particular those who were standing down from their respective Councils at the forthcoming election, for their contribution to the Panel.

To hear any announcements the Commissioner may have for the Panel.

The Commissioner addressed the Panel, reassuring them that he was delivering on his promise to keep people safer. He highlighted that 98.3 percent of the budget was spent on policing and detailed a number of areas where resources were being put into policing, including Tasers, the Boat Unit and frontline service.

A short film was shown to the Panel regarding work undertaken beyond policing, which focussed on two recent events and support that had been made available to the victims of crime. With regard to this, the Commissioner highlighted the scope and interaction of different work streams.

The Chairman thanked the Commissioner for his comments and also thanked both him and his officers for hosting the Panel at an event following the previous Panel meeting.

To receive an update on the Commissioner’s budget for 2018/19.

The Panel received an update on the Commissioner’s budget for 2018/19.

The Commissioner confirmed that the budget had been agreed on 23 February 2018 and highlighted the success of the information leaflet that had been sent to all households. He recognised the challenge of finding the right means to communicate with all stakeholders, including police officers and noted that work to develop and raise awareness of the PCC role was ongoing.

An update was received from the chairman of the Finance Working Group, who explained the examination of the budget that had taken place since the past Panel meeting. The Commissioner was asked to comment on any changes to the overall position. Mr Lane noted that originally the budget was conceived without a precept increase and therefore the inclusion of the increase had prevented a number of saving options being taken forward, including to police posts. The majority of posts that had been lost were already vacancies. He recognised that the budget had not been vetoed by the Panel at their January meeting and highlighted that following the Panel’s recommendations some elements of revenue spend had been removed, observing that his ambition had been to propose a balanced budget which was reflective of his officer costs. His priority was to make Hampshire safer and 98.3 percent of the budget was for the Chief Constable.  The cost of meeting statutory requirements, such as GDPR was also highlighted as placing an additional demand on resources. The rational and impact of the new assistant PCC post was considered and the Commissioner detailed the significant role of criminal justice and the need to engage with suitable expertise and draw that into the wider focus on keeping people safer.

Looking forward, the Commissioner confirmed he would continue to press for a fairer funding formula, but didn’t believe this would happen before the next comprehensive spending review. In response to questions from the Panel, he gave details of a £30 million spend on the 101 service to improve operational efficiency and allow better connectivity of data with the aim of modernising the whole service. The Commissioner also confirmed that the marine unit was subject to a professional review, which he would not pre-empt, however he was always keen to maximise partnerships.

It was proposed and agreed that the Commissioner work with the Finance Working Group on achieving a sustainable position, in particular with regards the inclusion of ongoing costs in the base budget.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Panel notes the updated position on the Commissioner’s Budget for 2018/19.

2.         That the Panel agrees to add a new piece of pro-active scrutiny to its work programme to examine how the PCC is effectively supporting policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

To receive an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner on engaging and building awareness of his role within communities, and how the public can shape approaches to policing and crime.

The Panel received an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner on engaging and building awareness of his role within communities, and how the public can shape approaches to policing and crime.

The Commissioner detailed levels of public interest and support and specific connections with the community relating to the strategy. He also highlighted the strategic objectives set out at 4.4 of the report.

The workshops that had been held were discussed, recognising that the attendance had been low, the Commissioner confirmed that these were only part of the journey. The Panel highlighted the community networks that respective Members were engaged with and encouraged the Commissioner o take advantage of these.

Resolved:

That the Police and Crime Panel note the progress made against the creation and development of the Community Strategy.

To receive an update on the Estates Strategy from the Commissioner.

The Panel received an update on the Estates Strategy from the Commissioner, who confirmed that the strategy had been agreed and offered a detailed, local briefing where that would assist individual Members.

The new police investigation centre that was under construction was detailed and specific questions relating to Fareham and Aldershot were addressed.

Resolved:

That the Police and Crime Panel note the update.  

To receive an update from the Commissioner updating the Panel on his position with regard to Fire and Rescue Authorities in the context of the Policing and Crime Act 2017.

The Panel received an update from the Commissioner on his position with regard to Fire and Rescue Authorities in the context of the Policing and Crime Act 2017.

The Commissioner confirmed that he supported both Fire and Rescue Authorities in the work they do. He explained that he had not yet made a decision regarding his own position.

Resolved:

That the Police and Crime Panel note the update.

To receive a quarterly update from the Police and Crime Commissioner detailing delivery against his Police and Crime Plan and setting out priorities and public engagement for the coming quarter.

The Panel received a quarterly update from the Police and Crime Commissioner detailing delivery against his Police and Crime Plan and setting out priorities and public engagement for the coming quarter.

The Chairman of the Plan Working Group updated the Panel on discussions at recent meetings of the Group. With reference to grant funding, the Commissioner confirmed that everyone who had applied had received a response and clarified that decisions were based on an assessment of likely achievement and outcomes.

The Commissioner proceeded to give a presentation highlighting specific programmes within the Plan, including regarding: the victim care service, the Frankie worker scheme, call time on FGM, cyber protection, Hampshire Pride and Council Tax awareness.

Resolved:

That the Police and Crime Panel note the update on the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan.

To consider a report setting out the activities of the delegated officer and the Complaints Sub-Committee in relation to complaints made against the Police and Crime Commissioner in the last quarter.

Members received a report from the scrutiny officer to the Panel detailing the activities of the Complaints Sub-Committee in the last quarter.

Resolved:

That the quarterly complaints report is noted.

To consider a report setting out the proposed future work programme for the Panel.

Members received a report from the scrutiny officer to the Panel which setting out the proposed work programme for the Panel.

Resolved:

That the Police and Crime Panel notes the conclusion of the work programme for the 2017/18 municipal year and agrees that outstanding items be brought forward to a new work programme for 2018/19 for consideration at the next Panel meeting.