Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from the Chairman Tijs Broeke, Alderwoman Emma Edhem and James Tumbridge. All three Members observed the meeting virtually.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 20 May 2025.

RESOLVED - That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting on the 20 May 2025 be approved as an accurate record.

Report of the Commissioner.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner with an assessment of City of London Police performance against the objectives set out in the National Policing Strategy for Fraud, Economic and Cyber Crime 2023-28 for quarter 1 2025/26 (1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025).

Members noted that the force had achieved a 44% year-on-year increase in disruptions against organised crime groups (OCGs), recording 513 disruptions and 39 pocket activities for the quarter, demonstrating a strong start to the year. Home Office targets for protecting people and businesses were met.

Economic cybercrime was highlighted as an area of concern, with training levels at the Economic Cyber Crime Academy having declined over a two-year period. This was due to financial pressures, accreditation requirements, and reduced cost competitiveness. Work was underway to diversify training audiences, explore additional funding, and expand international delivery, including courses for officers in Mauritius and Nigeria.

A Member raised concerns about the temporary impact on performance of staff reassigned to support the new Action Fraud system. Officers confirmed this had resulted in a temporary reduction in priority allegations and some performance metrics; this was anticipated and within tolerance. The new system was expected to improve linking of related reports, reduce manual bottlenecks, and enhance case management, victim communication, and investigative outcomes once fully operational.

A Member asked about activity relating to OCGs and the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Another Member enquired on training throughput, academy attendance, and declining domestic uptake. Members also asked about reporting timing and format - including colour coding and consolidation of performance packs - allocation of officers to the Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting and Analysis Service (FCCRAS), consistency in statistics, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible training models.

Officers highlighted ongoing international and financial sector training, collaboration with UK

Report of the Commissioner.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner with an assessment of City of London Police performance against the objectives set out in the Policing Plan for quarter 1 2025/26 (1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025).

Members noted that this was the first time that Policing Plan (‘the Plan’) metrics were being reviewed upfront. Officers highlighted efforts to extract key measures that reinforce the Plan without duplicating reporting. A Member asked how often the Committee would review different performance measures going forward; officers confirmed that this would be considered in designing future reporting cycles.

Members welcomed the continued rollout of the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit (NECVCU), with Level Two services now being provided to 38 forces, up from six previously, and nearing coverage of the full 43-force population. Officers explained that discussions were ongoing with the remaining forces, some of which had mature supply chains or existing contracts, to ensure continued evolution towards full network adoption. Members acknowledged the value of City of London Police leadership in achieving this network impact.

A Member requested that the full results analysis, including complaints data, be summarised for the next meeting. Officers confirmed that operational details would not be shared, but outcome-focused information, such as the percentage alongside complaint volumes, would be provided to allow Members to monitor trends effectively.

Members also noted encouraging returns from victim surveys, indicating that victims feel safer following contact with an advocate. The timeline for FCCRAS was highlighted, with officers noting that the programme was approaching completion after many challenging years.

Finally, Members observed that with the refocus of performance sections in line with recent governance changes, coverage of the Cyber programme, including Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs), had been reduced. Officers confirmed that this would be addressed in future agenda packs.

RESOLVED - That

Report of the Commissioner of Police.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner with an assessment of City of London Police performance against the objectives set out in the Policing Plan for quarter 1 2025/26 (1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025).

Members noted that this was the first time complaints data relating to Action Fraud had been presented to the Committee, having previously being considered by the then Professional Standards and Integrity Committee (now the Professionalism and Trust Committee). The number of complaints remained extremely low, at approximately 0.08% of reports, which was consistent with previous quarters, and primarily related to frustrations about reports not being investigated rather than concerns with the reporting service itself.

Members discussed improvements to the victim journey, noting that the replacement system for Action Fraud will allow victims to log in and track their case progress, with automated updates provided across 46 trigger points, compared with three previously. The system also ensured clear communication when cases were not pursued for investigation and highlighted how information provided by victims was used to disrupt criminal activity and prevent repeat victimisation. Members emphasised the importance of monitoring public perception and outcomes as the system was rolled out, to inform evaluation and external communications.

Members also welcomed the continued rollout of the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit (NECVCU), with Level Two services now provided to 38 forces, approaching full coverage of the 43-force network. Officers highlighted ongoing engagement with the remaining forces, some of which have mature supply chains or existing contracts, to ensure wider adoption.

A Member requested that future reports provide outcome-focused information alongside complaint volumes, including percentages, to allow trends to be effectively monitored.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted

Report of the Executive Director of Innovation & Growth.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Innovation and Growth (IG), providing an update on the department’s work on digital verification, cybersecurity talent, and anti-money laundering.

Members noted that the Police Authority team continued to work closely with IG colleagues to identify opportunities to promote the role and interests of the City of London Police, particularly its National Lead Force for Fraud responsibilities. The Police Authority team also sought opportunities to highlight IG’s work on digital verification, recognising its potential impact on combating fraud.

Officers outlined collaborative work undertaken by the City Corporation, including advocacy with key stakeholders, such as correspondence with the Governor of the Bank of England, and participation in high-profile dinners hosted by the Lord Mayor for the financial, professional services and technology sectors. These engagements had reinforced the strategic role of the police and provided a platform to promote the City Police’s economic and cyber crime initiatives.

Members were briefed on digital verification initiatives, which aim to increase adoption of effective verification processes. A roundtable in July explored the mass-market landscape and requirements for scaling a UK digital verification orchestrator. Officers confirmed that a steering committee was being established with representatives from industry, government, and academia, with a view to launching a working group by the end of October.

On anti-money laundering, Members were informed that IG and the Police Authority Board had hosted the launch of a Financial Action Task Force report in March.

Members welcomed the focus on digital verification and highlighted the wider relevance to national security and the financial sector.

A Member highlighted the economic security implications of recent high-profile cyber-attacks and their potential financial impact on City businesses.

Members encouraged IG to explore opportunities for the Corporation to provide unique insight into these impacts.

RESOLVED - That the report

There were no questions.

Members were updated on the ministerial reshuffle announced on 5 September 2025.

Shabana Mahmood replaced Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary, while Sarah Jones and Alex Norris were appointed to roles within the Home Office covering immigration and policing, with specific portfolios yet to be confirmed.

Members noted that these ministers were not new contacts, with previous engagements including a visit by Sarah Jones to the City of London Police in September 2023 and a meeting with Alex Norris in February 2024 during his tenure as Shadow Policing Minister. Dan Jarvis remained Security Minister with an additional Cabinet Office portfolio, and Lord Hanson continued as the Minister covering fraud.

RESOLVED - That the update be noted.

MOTION - That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED - That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2025.

RESOLVED - That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2025 were approved as an accurate record.

Joint report of the Town Clerk and the Commissioner of Police.

The Committee received a joint report of the Town Clerk and The Commissioner on the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan for Economic and Cyber Crime.  

Report of the Commissioner of Police.

The Committee received a report of the Commissioner on the National Domestic Corruption Unit (DCU), providing a summary update on the pilot programme and the associated Anti-Corruption Strategy.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.