Agenda item

Members considered the note from the Police Committee.

The Chairman wanted to expressly reassure Members of the Finance Committee (including those Members that also sat on Police Committee) that he bore no antagonism towards the City of London Police. Finance Committee’s job was not to second guess the operational decisions of needs of the Police, but, a key part of its remit was to ensure the Police had robust plans in place to ensure financial sustainability.

A Member (who also represents the Police Committee) stressed that the aim of the note was to give Finance Committee forewarning of the strong likelihood that a rise in funding will be required in the medium term to help mitigate new challenges. Ultimately, the Police Committee wants to avoid “surprising” Finance Committee with demands for extra cash.

The Chairman reemphasised that neither he, nor the Finance Committee were there to second guess the Police when it came to operational needs. When the time came the Committee would “endeavour to provide the means needed”.

RESOLVED – that Members noted the Report.