Question to the Authority

Report: 4
Date: 27 February 2003
By: Clerk

Summary

Members are requested, in accordance with the Authority’s Standing Orders, to hear two questions, from Ms Kelly Rebekah ben-Maimon of Lambeth and from Mr James de la Mare, Chairman of the Hammersmith & Fulham Police Consultative Group. The Clerk will give the Authority’s responses at the meeting.

A. Recommendation

That the Authority hears the questions set out below and responds in accordance with Standing Orders.

B. Supporting information

1. Two questions have been received, as follows:

From Ms Kelly Rebekah ben-Maimon of Lambeth, who asks "which is the latest version of the constitution template, agreed by the authority and submitted for consultation to all consultative groups".

From Mr James de la Mare, the Chairman of the Hammersmith & Fulham Police Consultative Group, who asks:

1. Whether the Authority will now expedite assistance to appoint a Secretary/administrator to this PCG and its counterpart Independent Custody Visitor Panel, and
2. To explain why, despite

1. Almost ten months having passed since notice of the resignation of the last Secretary was received,
2. Knowing that a professional Secretary is essential to the proper running of volunteer PCGs and ICVPs,
3. Acceptance that PCGs are the principal means of direct public involvement in the police consultation process, and
4. Having had various meetings and correspondence in which the urgency of action was stressed to MPA staff, and clear warnings given about the detrimental effects of further delays the matter has been allowed to reach the point where the future of the Group is placed in doubt and the work of the Group and the ICVP has had to be halted.
   Mr de la Mare has provided some background information, which has been circulated separately to members.

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. Equality and diversity implications

None related to the process of receiving questions from the public.

D. Financial implications

None related to the process of receiving questions from the public.

E. Background papers

Email and letter received from those wanting to ask questions.

F. Contact details

Report author: Simon Vile, MPA

For more information contact:

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

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