Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting on Friday 6 November 2020 were agreed as a correct record subject to the following amendment: -

Minute 3:-

Police Officer numbers – It was anticipated that there would be close to 1200 officers in place by the end of March 202, be changed to ‘it was anticipated that there would be close to 1200 officers in place by the end of March 2021’.

Please see note (a) at the end of the agenda.

No declarations of interest were received.

3.1       The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) gave a detailed presentation of the report.  He took the opportunity to thank the NHS and other emergency services for their response to the pandemic.

3.2       The PCC reminded the Panel that Gloucestershire Constabulary has always been graded good, by HMICFRS, for financial management. He discussed how the increases agreed last year had been realised, drawing particular attention to the additional 46 officers (part of the uplift programme) and the opening of the Sabrina Centre. There  were also more officers in the safeguarding children and serious and organised crime teams.  Investment in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software had helped to relieve the pressure on the 999 and 111 system.

3.3       The consultation with the public closed on Friday, 5 February 2021 and the Commissioner provided the Panel with information from an interim report (dated 04/02/21) in lieu of the final report. The responses indicated that a significant number of people agreed that there should be an increase, although also there were also comments that there were always efficiencies that could be made. In combining the overall responses 46% of respondents had indicated that they were willing to pay more. However it was important to note that a significant number of people had indicated that they could not afford to pay more. The Panel was informed that the responses received were representative of the demography of the county.

3.4       The PCC informed the Panel that he had given the consultation responses a lot of thought when considering setting the precept. He explained that the process of the annual settlement figure from government did not help when trying to undertake long term planning. Core grants had all been frozen and there had also been a cut in capital funding. The PCC discussed resource pressures and what could and could not be afforded with the Chief Constable. They were in agreement that a significant factor for the Constabulary was the need to improve the technology used by Police Officers to better support them in their role(s). The PCC has asked that the Constabulary’s Transformation Programme be reviewed with a view to delivery being within a more timely way.

3.5       The Panel was informed that the PCC had considered linking the precept increase to inflation but it this would have resulted in cuts. The PCC had also considered increasing the precept to the maximum allowed without recourse to a referendum, but had reflected on and recognised the financial struggles faced by some people in Gloucestershire. He stated that this had been the most difficult budget setting process in eight years. He had finally decided to set the increase in precept at the lowest level possible without stalling the progress made since coming out of austerity measures; he was clear that a return to austerity was not viable.

3.6       The PCC stated that he understood the burden on the tax payer, and was clear that for the Gloucestershire Constabulary every crime mattered and every  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The PCC to discuss how the Constabulary is held to account for the enforcement of Covid-19 rules.

4.1       The PCC informed the Panel that both he and the Chief Constable had always been determined that the response would be proportionate. He was of the view that the Gloucestershire Constabulary had got it about right.

4.2       Panel members had no questions on this matter.

5.1       The Chief Executive, OPCC, gave a detailed presentation of the report. He drew member’s attention to the forthcoming retirement of the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), and explained that the OPCC had appointed an interim CFO for a period of six months. He confirmed that when appointing to the permanent position the appointment would be brought to the Panel as required by legislation.

5.2       The Panel thanked the CFO for his work in helping them to understand the complexities of the Police budget, and wished him well in his retirement.

6.1       The Deputy PCC gave a detailed presentation of this report.

6.2       Panel members welcomed and noted the report.