Agenda item

Joint Report of the Town Clerk and the Chamberlain

The Committee received a Joint Report of the Town Clerk and the Chamberlain concerning resourcing and governance of the City of London Police Authority.

The Chairman began the discussion by emphasising that, since the introduction of the Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales in 2012, the City had not adequately resourced and fully realised its role as the City of London Police Authority. This was a distinct and important role which requires robust, strategic direction.  

He thanked officers for raising this Report with the Finance Committee (the decisions were for Policy and Resources Committee, Establishment Committee and Court of Common Council), furthermore he proposed that the name of the Police Committee changed to the Police Authority Board to more properly reflect its role.

The Commissioner added that it was important to recognise that the City of London Police was different to other forces and, for its relative size, took on the leadership role for an incommensurate number of national policing projects.

A Member was concerned that appointing a new staff member at Grade I was possibly overegging things. He was supportive of the Police but wanted to ensure officers were bearing down on efficiencies and value for money. The Chairman responded that Policy and Resources would be reviewing and deciding on the recommendations on Thursday 15^th November and that was the appropriate forum to scrutinise the Grade I appointment.

RESOLVED – that Members noted the Report.