Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee received a report of the Chamberlain in respect of Corporate Risk CR23 (Police Funding).   Members noted that the budget had been balanced, through the use of reserves, until 2018/19.  Furthermore, whilst a £17m capital investment had relieved some pressures, a deficit of £4-5m would remain.  The Assistant Commissioner (City of London Police (COLP)) asked Members to note particularly the efficiency strategies set out at paragraphs 9 and 10 in the report, following the Deloitte Review and Transformation Programme. 

The Deputy Chamberlain advised that, working closely with the Commissioner, the budget for 2018/19 had been balanced, through the use of reserves, and this gave time to focus on 2019/20 and beyond.  The Deputy Chamberlain had been to the first meeting of the Transformation Programme and commended the agenda content and the Police’s commitment to the change programme and recognition of new ways of working. 

Members noted how the nature of police work was changing, with more focus on cyber-crime and crime prevention and, whilst the Mayor of London’s decision on Council Tax precepts for the Metropolitan Police did not apply to the City, decisions would be required at some stage on the business rate premium. The Commissioner advised that the COLP was seen as a leader in cyber-crime (which was overtaking conventional crime) and counter terrorism and investment would be required to maintain this status.  In respect of strategic policing, aimed at national threats, the COLP had made a head start in providing an evidence base for directing funds in the future.

In response to a challenge to the speed of progress, the Assistant Commissioner advised that Deloitte’s report had been received at the end of July 2017 and immediate steps had been taken to deliver quick wins and balance this year’s budget.  Members suggested that the balance of reserves was lower than desirable and the risk rating for the Medium Term Financial Strategy should reflect this.  As far as possible, Members would also like to see evidence of efficiencies before taking decisions to redirect funds.    The Assistant Commissioner accepted these comments and advised that certain priorities; i.e. security, could not always wait for formal approval and this was likely to be a moving target for some years.  The Deputy Chamberlain advised Members that Home Office Policy supported the use of reserves in balancing Police Force budgets. The Deputy Chamberlain agreed that the risk ought to be reframed as a threat to medium term financial stability.

In respect of the target Police staff reduction to 410, the Assistant Commissioner advised that 12 posts had been deleted as part of the Transformation Programme and, whilst the target was reliant on IT changes, the Assistant Commissioner was confident of further reductions in staff numbers over the next few years.    Members noted that, of the current 442 posts, 332 were engaged in front-line police support roles and not back-office administration.  

RESOLVED, that:

1.         The report be noted.

2.         Members receive a further report, in July this year, focussed on the medium-term risks.