Report on the sub-committees of the Finance and Resources Committee.

Report: 04
Date: 21 January 2010
By: Chief Executive

Summary

This report contains a summary of the business considered by the sub-committees of the Finance and Resources Committee.

A. Recommendations

That members note the report

B. Supporting information

1. This report covers the following meetings:

•  Estate Panel – 17 December 2009
•  Resources and Productivity Sub-committee – 14 January 2010

Estate Panel – 17 December 2009

2. The Panel met on 17 December and gave further consideration to the development of the estate strategy. Amongst the business considered was the process for agreeing changes to the Territorial Policing estate and proposals for the transfer of front office counters in Bromley. The panel supported the proposals in these reports, which are included on the agenda for today’s meeting. The next meeting of the Panel is on 21 January immediately following the meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee.

Resources and Productivity Sub-committee – 14 January 2010

Borrowing strategy

3. This report is also on the agenda for today’s meeting.

4. A representative from Arlingclose, the Authority’s Treasury Management advisers attended the sub-committee meeting and answered questions. Members asked questions relating to the purchase of the freehold of New Scotland Yard in 2008 and noted that the action taken as outlined in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the report had not had an adverse effect on the decision which members are asked to make. The sub-committee gave preliminary consideration to the assumptions relating to the borrowing strategy for 2010/11 which will form part of the Treasury Management Strategy which is due to be considered by members in March. At that meeting the sub-committee will be considering the options for adjusting the level of risk and members requested that the report contains information about cash flow. The sub-committee supported the recommendations.

Future of radio mast sites

5. The Association of Police Authorities has contacted all Police Authorities seeking reassurance that if radio masts are sold they will, in future, ensure that access can be gained without being charged by the new owner. In response to this the Sub-Committee received a report which advised that the Authority owns four masts and there are currently no proposals to dispose of these. The position will be monitored on an annual basis, if the position was to change we would ensure access rights were considered.

Transport costs

6. This report was requested by members. It provided details of the transport services budget, contracts and initiatives being put in place to deliver saving opportunities. The savings are included within the Service Improvement Programme (SIP). Progress in identifying these savings will be reported in connection with updates on SIP. At the meeting members requested a site visit and there are a number of specific issues (for example the number of workshops in use) which members will be exploring further with the Director of Logistical Services.

7. It was agreed that an update report to the sub-committee would be provided as part of the SIP Programme.

8. Copies of non exempt reports and minutes from the Authority and its committees can be viewed on the MPA website.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no race and diversity impact issues directly arising from this report. Race and diversity impact is a standing item on reports submitted to committees and sub committees.

D. Financial implications

There are no financial implications directly arising from this report although there could be financial implications arising from items discussed by sub-committees.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author(s): John Crompton, MPA

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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