Question to the Authority

Report: 03
Date: 23 May 2002
By: Clerk

Summary

Members are requested, in accordance with the Authority's Standing Orders, to hear a question from Kathryn Bonds and the Authority's response.

A. Recommendations

That the Authority hears a question from Kathryn Bonds and responds in accordance with Standing Orders.

B. Supporting information

1. Kathryn Bonds, who is a non-executive director of the Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust and Vice-Chairman of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Committee, has given written notice to the Clerk of the Authority that she wishes to put the following question to the Authority:

"As a member of a Hospital Trust Board with one of the busiest Accident and Emergency Departments in London, I would like to ask the MPA whether there has been any research, investigations and discussions into developing and prioritising a London-wide policy and strategy to address the increasing violence that occurs i.e. to hospital staff and to other attendees at Accident and Emergency Departments. On a general note, the A&E departments are now seen as some sort of 'battleground' where no-one wishes to go, when they should be seen as a place of safety."

2. Standing Order 15 sets out the process for receiving questions at Authority meetings:

'15. Questions from the Public

1. Any member of the public may ask questions of the Police Authority which are relevant to its business. However, to allow an opportunity to obtain any information sought in order that a meaningful response may be given, written notice should be given to the Clerk to the Police Authority not less than 14 days before a meeting of the Authority.
2. As soon as such questions are received, the appropriate officer(s) involved in responding should be given a copy and requested to prepare an answer. Every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that questions are answered fully but concisely.
3. Any question(s) shall be included on the agenda for the meeting, in the order of receipt, as the next item of business after the approval of the minutes of the last meeting, and must be addressed to the Chairman. The Chairman will then invite the appropriate officer or Member of the Authority to respond. All questions shall be put and answered without discussion. Arising from such questions if Members want a report, or an issue to be debated, then they must use existing procedures to ensure that at the following meeting the item is raised.
4. With regard to those questions that involve the disclosure of exempt information, if part of the answer can be given in public, then that should be done. However, if that is not the case or the answer is clearly inadequate, then the questioner must be told that there will be no answer available and why, prior to the meeting, and the question will not be put on the agenda.
5. The person asking the question shall be given the opportunity of attending the meeting to put the question, but if not present the answer as reported to the Authority shall be sent to such persons following the meeting. If the questioner is in attendance the appropriate officer and/or Member shall meet, him or her the questioner to discuss any further concerns he or she may have and to clarify any answer given, if necessary.
6. The Chairman may use discretion to limit the number of questions asked by members of the public in order to avoid disruption of the business of the Police Authority. In any event the total time allowed for public question and answers shall not exceed 30 minutes. A maximum of three questions per person per year may be heard. Any questions that remain unanswered within the timescale shall receive written responses only.'

C. Financial implications

There are no financial implications relating to this report.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

Report author: Simon Vile, CLAMS, MPA.

For information contact:

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

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