Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 26 June 2003 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

The Annual General Meeting minutes are after the Full Authority meeting minutes (below).

Present

Members

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• R David Muir (Deputy Chair)
• Anthony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Reshard Auladin
• Cindy Butts
• Lynne Featherstone
• Nicky Gavron
• Kirsten Hearn
• Peter Herbert
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Diana Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Nicholas Long
• Noel Lynch
• Eric Ollerenshaw
• Sir John Quinton
• Graham Tope
• Abdal Ullah
• Rachel Whittaker
• Cecile Wright

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Clerk)
• Ken Hunt (Deputy Treasurer)
• David Riddle (Deputy Clerk)
• Simon Vile (Head of Secretariat)

MPS officers

• Sir John Stevens (Commissioner)
• Keith Luck (Director of Resources)
• Bernard Hogan-Howe (Assistant Commissioner)

Part 1

134. Apologies for absence and other communications

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Richard Sumray and Sir Ian Blair. (Deputy Commissioner).

On behalf of the Authority, the Chair congratulated Ian Blair on being awarded a knighthood and Bernard Hogan-Howe on the award of the QPM. He also congratulated Jenny Jones on her appointment as Deputy Mayor and Nicholas Long on his appointment as a member of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

135. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations of interest were made.

136. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

Resolved – That public and exempt minutes of the Authority meeting held on 29 May 2003 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Matters arising

In relation to item 124, concerning CPCG funding, and in reply to a question from Elizabeth Howlett, the Clerk reported that the Deputy Clerk would be writing to members shortly about the process for appeals from CPCGs about their funding award. As agreed by the Consultation Committee, the appeal panel would consist of the Deputy Clerk and two members with no previous involvement in the funding decisions. In reply to a question from Eric Ollerenshaw, the Clerk also confirmed that the Deputy Clerk would be reporting to the July meeting of the Authority about the process for allocating CPCG funding. The information requested by members at the last meeting of the Authority had been sent to them the previous day.

137. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 4)

The Authority received the draft minutes of the following committees:

• Co-ordination & Policing Committee, 19 May
• Human Resources Committee, 5 June
• Finance Committee, 9 June

138. Chair’s, Members’ and Clerk’s updates

(Agenda item 5)

The Authority noted updates given by the Chair and other members.

139. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 6)

The Commissioner updated the Authority on a number of issues:

Breach of security at Windsor Castle

The Commissioner reported on the security breach on 21 June when a man gained admittance to the 21st birthday party of HRH Prince William. The Commissioner had apologised to the Royal Family for this wholly unacceptable breach of security. An independent investigation was being carried out by Commander Frank Armstrong of the City of London Police to review all aspects of the security operation. His interim report was expected in about nine days and his full reports two weeks later. However three steps were being taken immediately:

• improved intelligence
• creating a new co-ordinator post
• a rigorous testing regime for both technical and human systems

Members commented that it would be inappropriate to draw any conclusions before the investigation had been completed, and no one individual officer should be made a scapegoat as a result of this incident. They were supportive of officers involved who had been under immense pressure as a result.

Nicholas Long asked whether allegations in the Sun newspaper about events at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace would be included in the enquiry. The Chair responded that he had written to the editor of the Sun seeking clarification about these allegations.

The Commissioner confirmed that the outcome of Commander Armstrong’s investigation would be reported to the Authority, although with the caveat that parts of it would almost certainly not be for publication or discussion in a public forum.

Recruitment

The Commissioner reported that at the end of May the MPS had more police officers than at any time in its history, 28,602. Efforts to recruit minority ethnic officers continued, although they still represented only 5.6% of the strength. The proportion of female officers was 16.75%, again lower than it should be. The Police Community Support Officer strength stood at 628. This might rise to about 1,000 by August.

Crime performance

The Commissioner reported good news on the MPS’s performance. Targets to reduce burglary and gun-related crime were being achieved. For instance, May was the lowest monthly figure for gun related violent crimes since April 2001. Auto crime and street crime were also seeing significant reductions. A recent study had concluded that mobile phone thefts constituted 9% of all crime in London. However, it appeared that 15.5% of reporting was false. The implications of this were significant, for instance in terms of focussing resources on hotspots. Cecile Wright commented that this meant that young black men had therefore been stigmatised for crimes that had not occurred. She hoped that ways would be found of apologising to the community for this. The Commissioner said that he would make the Street Crimes Action Group aware of this issue. In reply to a question from Peter Herbert on street crime recidivism, the Commissioner said that rates of re-offending had dropped dramatically, although the reasons why were not yet understood.

Power failure at New Scotland Yard

The Commissioner referred to the recent power failure at New Scotland Yard. The importance of learning from this incident could not be underestimated. Assistant Commissioner Veness had already outlined an action plan and the Commissioner suggested that the Authority receive a regular report on the implementation of this. Nicholas Long commented that provision would be needed in the current financial year for substantial unfunded works as a result. It was essential that in reporting these to the Authority for approval, the MPS identified what other schemes would not go ahead as a result.

Demonstration at the French Embassy

The Commissioner reported that in the previous few weeks officers had dealt with a number of incidents where people had set fire to themselves outside the French Embassy, protesting about events in Iran and France. A large police presence around the embassy had been required. Some officers had sustained injuries and had witnessed distressing events. To provide 24 hour policing a total of 124 officers were needed.

Having spoken to some Hammersmith officers who had been abstracted to duty outside the embassy, Cindy Butts highlighted their concerns, for instance that having witnessed traumatic events they were then kept on duty and only provided with food by a local hotel. The Commissioner said that he would have these issues looked into immediately.

General

Peter Herbert asked why no decision had been taken on whether to prosecute the editor in relation to an article in the Spectator some six months earlier. He compared this unfavourably to the speed of the investigation into the events at Windsor Castle. The Commissioner responded that the papers had been with the Crown Prosecution Service for some three to four months.

Replying to a question from Jennette Arnold, the Commissioner assured her that boroughs would continue to get the support they needed, for instance in relation to a recent murder in her link borough.

Lynne Featherstone referred to an article in the Harrow Observer to the effect that Wealdstone Police Station was to be closed and sold. The Commissioner said that the police station was not going to close. The Chair commented that an initial report had incorrectly said that the MPA had authorised closure. Matters had now been clarified – he had discussed this with the borough commander on a regular basis and had spoken to the Chief Executive of Harrow Council the previous evening.

Cecile Wright had attended a consultation meeting with disabled staff where a number of issues had been raised. A.C. Hogan-Howe, who had also attended the meeting, outlined some of the issues and confirmed that where not already in hand, these would be addressed.

Graham Tope referred to a growing concern in his link boroughs about the extent of abstractions for central London security measures. The Chair agreed that the Authority needed to gain an understanding about the level of abstractions, without prejudicing the intelligence-led basis of the operations themselves – discussions would take place outside the meeting to see how this could be achieved.

140. Motion

(Agenda item 7)

It was moved by Tony Arbour and seconded by Richard Barnes

“That the MPA revise the Resource Allocation Formula to better reflect the monetary contribution each borough makes to the Metropolitan Police Authority budget.”

The Chair moved a procedural motion to the effect that the Authority had already debated and decided upon this matter in that it had been agreed to review the RAF in time for the 2005/06 financial year and that a report should be submitted to the Authority on the timetable to achieve this, allowing adequate time for consultation. He proposed, therefore, that the motion should be laid on the table and a report on the timetable for review submitted to the Authority.

After discussion, this procedural motion was put to the vote and carried. Tony Arbour and Eric Ollerenshaw asked that their names be recorded as having voted against it.

141. Review of the authority’s contract regulations and scheme of delegation

(Agenda item 8)

The Authority considered a report by the Treasurer and Commissioner proposing revised contract regulations and scheme of delegations to the officers. Some amendments to this report were tabled.

Resolved – That

1. The revised Contract Regulations and Scheme of Delegation be approved. The Contract Regulations (and relevant linked provisions in the Scheme of Delegation) to be applicable to all new actions from 27 June measured from MPS start points; and
2. the Treasurer be authorised to make any consequential amendments to Financial Regulations to bring them into line with Contract Regulations.

142. Appointment process for MPA Independent Members in 2004

(Agenda item 9)

The Authority considered a report by the Clerk on the process and timetable for this recruitment and appointment exercise.

Resolved – That

1. The timetable attached as an appendix to the report be approved and the Clerk authorised to take the necessary steps to progress it, subject to report to the Co-ordination & Policing Committee as appropriate;
2. Reshard Auladin be appointed to serve on the Selection Panel; and
3. the basis and membership of the panel that will make the final independent member appointments be considered again nearer the time.

The meeting ended at 11.37 a.m.

Annual General Meeting

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 26 June 2003 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• R David Muir (Deputy Chair)
• Anthony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Reshard Auladin
• Cindy Butts
• Lynne Featherstone
• Nicky Gavron
• Kirsten Hearn
• Peter Herbert
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Diana Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Nicholas Long
• Noel Lynch
• Eric Ollerenshaw
• Sir John Quinton
• Graham Tope
• Abdal Ullah
• Rachel Whittaker
• Cecile Wright

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Clerk)
• Ken Hunt (Deputy Treasurer)
• David Riddle (Deputy Clerk)
• Simon Vile (Head of Secretariat)

MPS officers

• Sir John Stevens (Commissioner)
• Keith Luck (Director of Resources)
• Bernard Hogan-Howe (Assistant Commissioner)

1. Election of the Chair of the Authority

(Agenda item 1)

One nomination had been received for this position and it was

Resolved – That Toby Harris be appointed Chair of the Authority for the year.

2. Election of Deputy Chairs of the Authority

(Agenda item 2)

Two nominations had been received for these positions and it was

Resolved – That Richard Barnes and R David Muir be appointed Deputy Chairs of the Authority.

3. Member attendances at Authority and committee meetings in 2002/03

(Agenda item 3)

The Authority considered a report by the Clerk on attendances at meetings since the last Annual Meeting of the Authority. Some amendments to this record were tabled in relation to Cindy Butts and Nicholas Long. The record did not currently show members who had resigned nor joined the MPA during the year – John Biggs, Darren Johnson, Diana Johnson and Noel Lynch – and it was agreed that it should.

Resolved

1. That the report be amended to reflect the above points and reissued; and
2. that the Clerk be authorised to make any other necessary amendments before finalising the report.

4. Election of Chairs and Deputy Chairs of MPA committees

(Agenda item 4)

Nominations had been received for these positions. There were no contested positions and it was

Resolved – That the Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the MPA committees be as shown in appendix 1 to these minutes.

5. Appointment of membership of MPA committees

(Agenda item 5)

Resolved – That the membership of MPA committees be as shown in appendix 1 to these minutes.

6. Appointment of Co-opted Members of the Equal Opportunities & Diversity Board and the Consultation Committee

(Agenda item 6)

The Authority considered a report by the Clerk and a tabled update.

The Chair of the Consultation Committee withdrew proposals for representation from the Asian community for further consideration. It was

Resolved –

1. That the following be appointed as co-opted members of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board for the year:
   •  Lee Jasper (Policy Director for Equalities, Mayor’s Office) with Rosemary Emodi as named deputy
   • Bharti Patel (Refugee Council)
   • Jason Lever (NSPCC)
   • Martin Meredith (Commission for Racial Equality)
   • Reverend Stephen Penrose (in a personal capacity relating to work with the LGBT community)
   • Charlene Brown (representing youth)
2. That the following be appointed as co-opted members of the Consultation Committee for the year:
   • Foston Fairclough (Enfield CPCG, representing youth)
   • Sandra Flower (London CPCG Chairs’ Forum)
   • Kate Monkhouse (London Civic Forum)
   • Action First (with the Clerk authorised to approve the named representative)
   • Independent Custody Visiting (with the Clerk authorised to approve the named representative)

7. Appointments to outside bodies and organisations

(Agenda item 7)

The Authority considered making appointments of members to represent the Authority on other bodies. It was recognised that there were some appointments still required – these would be reported to the Co-ordination and Policing Committee for approval. Some clarification was also needed around two bodies – London Police Education Ltd and the Street Crime Management Board – which might necessitate further consideration of the appointments.

Resolved – That appointments be made to outside bodies and organisations as set out in appendix 2 to these minutes.

8. Appointment of Link Members

(Agenda item 8)

The Chair asked members to volunteer to become the link member for Lewisham. Cecile Wright said that she would be prepared to carry out this role, provided it was made clear that she would not be able to devote as much time to it as she did to her duties as link member for Southwark.

It was noted that Noel Lynch was not currently assigned a link borough. He would discuss the possibility of acting in a joint capacity with Peter Herbert in Barnet.

Resolved – That Cecile Wright be appointed link member for Lewisham.

The meeting ended at 12 noon

Appendix 1

Committee membership for the year 2003/04

Co-ordination and Policing Committee (Chair/deputy chairs of Authority, chairs of committee plus 4)

• Toby Harris (Chair) (as Chair of Authority)
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair) (as Dep Chair of Authority)
• R David Muir (Deputy Chair) (as Dep Chair of Authority)
• Reshard Auladin (as Chair of PSC)
• Cindy Butts (as Chair of Consultation)
• Richard Sumray (as Chair of PPR)
• Graham Tope (as Chair of Finance)
• Rachel Whittaker (as Chair of HR)
• Cecile Wright (as Chair of EODB)

Plus

• Jennette Arnold
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Nicholas Long
• Sir John Quinton

Finance Committee

• Graham Tope (Chair)
• Nicholas Long (Deputy Chair)
• Reshard Auladin
• Richard Barnes
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Eric Ollerenshaw
• Sir John Quinton
• Richard Sumray
• Rachel Whittaker

Human Resources Committee

• Rachel Whittaker (Chair)
• Diana Johnson (Deputy Chair)
• Anthony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Cindy Butts
• Kirsten Hearn
• Nicholas Long
• Cecile Wright

Planning, Performance and Review Committee

• Richard Sumray (Chair)
• Reshard Auladin (Deputy Chair)
• Anthony Arbour
• Lynne Featherstone
• Elizabeth Howlett

Professional Standards and Complaints Committee

• Reshard Auladin (Chair)
• Elizabeth Howlett (Deputy Chair)
• Jennette Arnold
• Nicholas Long
• Richard Sumray
• Rachel Whittaker
• Cecile Wright

Consultation Committee

• Cindy Butts (Chair)
• Abdal Ullah (Deputy Chair)
• Kirsten Hearn
• Peter Herbert
• Nicholas Long
• Noel Lynch
• Eric Ollerenshaw

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board

• Cecile Wright (Chair)
• Peter Herbert (Deputy Chair)
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Rachel Whittaker
• Graham Tope
• Abdal Ullah
• Audit Panel
• Sir John Quinton (Chair)
• Eric Ollerenshaw (Deputy Chair)
• Diana Johnson
• Rachel Whittaker

Standards Committee

• Chair/Deputy Chair to be determined by the Committee itself
• 2 independent members: Stephanie Caplan and Ian Whitburn: plus
• Jennette Arnold
• Cecile Wright
• Nicholas Long
• Eric Ollerenshaw

Appendix 2

Appointments to outside bodies 2003/04

Association of Police Authorities

APA Plenary

• Toby Harris
• Reshard Auladin
• Richard Sumray
• Rachel Whittaker
• Graham Tope
• Richard Barnes

Other APA groups:

• Diversity: Cecile Wright
• Community Engagement: no appointments yet made
• HR and Personnel: Rachel Whittaker
• Operational Finance & IT issues: Graham Tope & Nicholas Long
• Performance Management: Richard Sumray & Reshard Auladin
• IM Liaison Network and Members Group: Reshard Auladin
• Training Liaison Network: Rachel Whittaker
• Criminal Justice System Task Group: Richard Sumray, Reshard Auladin & R David Muir
• APA Health and Safety Liaison Member Network: Jennette Arnold

Association of London Government

ALG Leader’s Committee

Toby Harris

ALG Panels:

Crime and Public Protection Forum (previously the Community safety and policing Panel): R David Muir & Abdal Ullah

Local Government Association

General Assembly

Nicky Gavron, Toby Harris, Elizabeth Howlett, Graham Tope

Police Authorities in Corporate Membership Group

Toby Harris and Nicky Gavron

Policy Review Groups:

Social Inclusion: no appointment yet made

LGA Urban Commission:

R David Muir

London Health Commission

Toby Harris
(Richard Sumray substitute)

Airwave Programme Board

Catherine Crawford

Joint Steering Group for Community Safety in London

Graham Tope & Abdal Ullah

London Police Education Ltd*

Rachel Whittaker

Police Advisory Board

Jennette Arnold

Southwark Local Strategic Partnership

Cecile Wright

Crime stoppers

Nicholas Long

Police Negotiating Board

Rachel Whittaker

Street Crime Management Board*

Cecile Wright & Toby Harris

Local Strategic Partnerships

• Croydon : Graham Tope
• Greenwich: R David Muir
• Haringey: Lynne Featherstone
• Harrow: Toby Harris
• Southwark: Cecile Wright
• Waltham Forest: Jennette Arnold

* Some clarification required about these two bodies

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