Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 6 October 2008 at Chamber, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA.

Present

Members

• Boris Johnson (Chairman)
• Kit Malthouse (Vice Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold
• Reshard Auladin
• Faith Boardman
• Chris Boothman
• Valerie Brasse
• Cindy Butts
• James Cleverly
• Dee Doocey
• Len Duvall
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Neil Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Clive Lawton
• Joanne McCartney
• Steve O’Connell
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Deborah Regal
• Graham Speed
• Richard Tracey

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Ken Hunt (Treasurer)
• Jane Harwood (Assistant Chief Executive)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Sir Paul Stephenson (Assistant Commissioner)
• Rod Jarman (Commander Territorial Policing)
• Anne McMeel (Director of Resources)

43. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Victoria Borwick.

44. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations were made.

45. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 24 July 2008.

In relation to minute 36 ‘Stockwell Scrutiny’ MPA the Deputy Commissioner agreed to provide to members a timetable for the implementation of Recommendation 19 of the MPA Stockwell Scrutiny report.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 24 July 2008 be agreed and be signed as a correct record.

46. Reports from the Chairman and Vice Chairman

(Agenda item 4)

The Chairman of the Authority welcomed members and members of the public to the meeting.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman welcomed the new Independent members to the Authority and thanked Richard Barnes, Peter Herbert, Karim Murji, Aneeta Prem, John Roberts, Navin Shah, Richard Sumray and Rachel Whittaker, as former members of the Authority, for their work

The Chairman paid tribute to Sir Ian Blair following his decision to resign from the position of Commissioner of the Metropolis. The Chairman added that he had spoken with a number of fellow members and had informed Sir Ian Blair at a recent meeting that he felt that the MPS needed new leadership at Scotland Yard in order to face the challenges ahead. He thought that, with the position that London policing was in, it was the right decision and one that the vast majority of people would agree with.

As part of his introductory remarks the Chairman stated:

‘I am proud to be chairing my first meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority today. Crime and safety is the biggest issue for Londoners and my most immediate priority as Mayor of London. It is vital that the Mayor takes responsibility for making our capital a safer place, so today is an important element of our work on policing and crime.

The amazing commitment and dedication that the police display everyday is something I am immensely proud of. We have huge challenges ahead, and the police are going to need our steadfast help and support.

‘Knife crime is the most immediate policing priority and we need to build on the successes of Operation Blunt 2, we need to do more to make public transport safer, we must protect the capital from the threat of terrorism and we must ensure the Olympic Games are secure.

It is also vital that we develop a comprehensive youth strategy that addresses the causes of youth crime and I can confirm we will make a detailed announcement in November.

Clearly the issues of race and discrimination in the Metropolitan Police must be examined. That is why I have asked Cindy Butts to look at some key questions, such as the progression of BME candidates through the ranks of the service, the relation between staff associations and management, and the extent to which there is visible and effective leadership around race and faith issues’.

At the invitation of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, Kit Malthouse outlined the work that had been ongoing over the previous months. This included the appointment of new independent members; a series of budget scrutiny meetings; working with partners in giving the MPS clear direction and priorities and a number of member workshops to consider how the Authority would operate in future. He added that during the summer operations such as Operation Blunt 2 and Operation Tyrol had been rolled out and welcomed by communities. He confirmed that the Estate Strategy was currently on hold in order to allow a review of the strategy and to allow further consultation on any proposals. The Vice Chairman also invited members to forward comments and suggestions to him in relation to developing Operation Herald (the civilianisation of custody suites).

A number of members raised concerns that the discussions about Sir Ian Blair’s future had been taken without proper discussion or consultation with other members of the Authority. The Chairman acknowledged that the consultation of members of the Authority should have been fuller.

With the agreement of the Authority Standing Orders were suspended to enable a motion to moved without notice. Jenny Jones proposed and Jennette Arnold seconded the following motion:

‘We believe that decisions concerning the confidence of Londoners in their Commissioner need to be taken by the MPA, with its cross-party and independent membership, reflecting a broad range of Londoners views’.

The motion was passed.

The Chairman added that in supporting the motion it was not his intention to ‘micromanage’ the MPS and that the chances of any similar action happening again were extremely remote.

A further motion was proposed by Dee Doocey and seconded by Joanne McCartney. However, following confirmation that the Home Secretary had responsibility for initiating the process for the appointment a new Commissioner and that bringing that process to the next Authority meeting would delay the appointment the motion was withdrawn.

Members almost unanimously welcomed the Chairman’s announcement that he had asked Cindy Butts to undertake an inquiry into the progression of BME candidates through the ranks of the service, relations between staff associations and management, and the extent to which there is visible and effective leadership around race and faith issues.

Some members, whilst supporting the selection of Cindy Butts, suggested that the inquiry panel should include independent representation in order to ensure transparency and public confidence. Some members also asked that the panel should initially look at recent inquires on the same issues and take account of any recommendations they had made.

Cindy Butts thanked members for their comments and agreed that the inquiry panel should include independent representation. She added that it was not the intention of the inquiry to duplicate previous work on this issue, but it would look at the recommendations previously made and lessons that had been learnt. She confirmed that the membership of the inquiry and its terms of reference, once drafted, would be circulated to members.

The Chairman agreed that the Vice Chairman should take on board the comments of members when the inquiry panel and its terms of reference were established.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

47. Commissioner’s report

(Agenda item 5)

The Deputy Commissioner presented a report that summarised the progress of the MPS against the objectives featured in the 2008-2011 Policing Plan for London. The report covered a period between July and October 2008, with data for individual measures reflecting the 12-month period ending August 2008.

The Deputy Commissioner informed members that this was the first written Commissioner’s report that had been presented to the Authority and he invited comments on its format and content. Members suggested that future reports should provide some benchmarking against other police services and that victim satisfaction data be broken down and given on a month by month basis.

Members noted that ‘churn’ in Safer Neighbourhood Teams resulted in useful local contacts and information being lost. They also asked for more information about the circulation of a newsletter to each household in London on local policing issues. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the movements of personnel within a team could affect the team’s resilience and local knowledge, but added that there would always be an element movement within teams. He undertook to look at any specific trends and report back to members. Commander Jarman added that a contract with a supplier had been obtained to deliver twice yearly a local newsletter and that it was the intention to monitor its distribution. Members asked that local ward councillors receive a copy of the newsletter that was relevant to their ward.

Members raised concerns relating to public satisfaction and the apparent lack of reporting of crime by young people, especially under 17s. Some members felt that young people's views, which were not featured in the British Crime Survey, were needed, particularly following the introduction of operations such as Operation Blunt and interaction with police officers. Linked to this discussion, members sought more details about the use of Section 60 alongside stop and search. The Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that rudeness by officers could aggrieve young people and was unacceptable; however, he stated that improved training had been implemented and operations such as Operation Blunt were independently assessed, which he fully supported. In relation to the use of Section 60, he agreed that the legislation must not be abused. Members asked that future performance reports should include data relating to the use of Section 60.

Members asked the Deputy Commissioner to comment on the downward trend in crime and the increased use of knives by young people. The Deputy Commissioner commented that the reasons why young people used knives needed to be better understood. This was not just a policing issue. He stated that the MPS was continuing to work with local communities, school and colleges, as well as using intelligence to target gangs, and specific areas. He added that the decrease in knife crime, but increase in youths being stabbed, could also be the result of gangs, personal conflict and involvement in the illegal economy.

In response to questions relating to call handling staff, he agreed to circulate information to members about HR issues within Central Communications Command.

Some members suggested that the MPS needed to set standards and not targets

Members briefly discussed the introduction of crime mapping and specifically how often was this updated and what happened to the information. The Deputy Commissioner stated that crime mapping provided members of the public with access to information of what is going on in their ward. He agreed with members that this could lead a more informed public becoming more demanding.

Confirmation was given that Acting/AC Chris Allison was currently leading on the Olympic security. Members asked that as both the Authority and MPS move forward on Olympic issues consideration be given to vulnerable groups.

Those issues that the Deputy Commissioner took an undertaking to report back to members will be circulated in the form of an addendum report and are appended to these minutes ad Appendix 3.

Resolved – That the report be received.

48. Committee structure and committee appointments

(Agenda item 6a, 6b and 6c)

(a) Committee structure

Members considered a report that outlined proposals for a new committee structure.

Members asked that the Olympic Sub-Committee be shown as having links to both the Strategic and Operational Policing and the Finance and Resources Committees, in order to reflect the scrutiny role of both its operational and financial elements.

Members agreed to receive an amendment to the proposed committee terms of references. It was agreed that the following paragraphs in the Community, Equalities and People Committee’s terms of reference be moved to the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee. The latter committee will be responsible for ACPO disciplinary matters and the inclusion of these paragraphs will bring all Professional Standards matters together in one committee.

3. To consider high profile and sensitive cases in line with the MPA/MPS protocol. Where a claim for compensation has been made, the Committee will:
   1. receive a quarterly information report on compensation cases settled by the Commissioner; and
   2. consider, for recommendation to the Authority, those cases which require a decision by the Authority to settle a claim for compensation. (However, where a decision cannot wait for the next meeting of the Authority, the Committee is authorised to agree terms for a settlement).
4. To monitor MPS activity in relation to Employment Tribunals and grievances and to agree any proposed financial settlements.
5. To consider any matters relating to Police Appeal Tribunals and to arrange for the appointment of Authority Members to serve on Tribunals as and when required.

The terms of reference for the Appointment Panel were agreed, subject to the following minor amendment

2. The Chief Executive has delegated power to determine the size and composition of the panel on each occasion, except that the Full Authority will determine the size and composition of any panel convened to formulate the MPA's recommendations to the Home Secretary in relation to the appointment of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

Resolved – That

1. the structure of five committees proposed in the report be approved (subject to the committees meeting to decide which sub-committees are required in respect of their areas of work) and note the dual link of the Olympic Sub-Committee;
2. the terms of reference, subject to the agreed amendment to the Strategic and Operational Policing and the Finance and Resources Committees and Appointments Panel attached as Appendix 3 of the report be approved;
3. the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee be established as set out in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the report, with the terms of reference contained in Appendix 3 of the report;
4. the dates of future full Authority meetings be agreed as set out in paragraph 16 and in the calendar of meetings at Appendix 4 of the report;
5. the dates of committee meetings as shown in Appendix 4, of the report be agreed subject to further consultation with Committee Chairmen; and
6. the Chief Executive be authorised to agreed the committee dates for the year following this consultation.

(b) Committee appointments

The Authority received a report that asked members to note the appointment of Boris Johnson as Chairman and Kit Malthouse as Vice Chairman of the MPA.

Following the approval of the committee structure, members were asked to make appointments to the Authority’s committee including the position of chairman and vice chairman of committee.

The following nominations from Boris Johnson, Chairman (seconded by Kit Malthouse Vice Chairman) were received and agreed for the position of chairmen of Committees:

• Strategic and Operational Policing Committee: Reshard Auladin
• Finance and Resources Committee: Steve O’Connell
• Communities, Equalities and People Committee; Cindy Butts
• Corporate Governance Committee: Toby Harris

It was agreed that selection of the vice-chairman positions be delegated the first meeting of the respective committees.

A list of members’ expressions of interest in committee membership was tabled. This was agreed in principle, subject to there being a further opportunity for members to comment on the proposed membership.

With the exception of the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee, membership of sub-committees was not approved. It was suggested that further discussions on sub-committee membership take place.

Borough link member positions were not agreed.

No decision on MPA representation on outside bodies was taken, however officers would discuss with members these appointments and make those that were agreed under urgent delegated authority.

Resolved – That

1. members note the appointment of Boris Johnson as Chairman and Kit Malthouse as Vice Chairman of the Authority.
2. the appointments of the following members as chairmen of committees be agreed and vice chairman appointments be delegated to the first meeting of committees.
   • Reshard Auladin - Chairman of Strategic and Operational Policing Committee.
   • Steve O’Connell - Chairman of Finance and Resources Committee.
   • Cindy Butts - Chairman of Communities, Equalities and People Committee.
   • Toby Harris - Chairman of Corporate Governance Committee.
3. the appointments to the membership of committees, given at Appendix 1, to these minutes, be approved in principle, for further consultation with members before a final; decision is taken;
4. the borough link members positions be discussed further with members:
5. MPA representation on outside bodies, following further discussion with members as given at Appendix 2, be confirmed; and
6. all appointments be effective until the Authority’s next annual meeting in 2009.

(c) Review of the scheme of members’ allowances

Following the introduction of the Police and Justice Act 2006 and subsequent regulations, members considered a report that allowed the Authority for the first time to pay an allowance to Assembly members appointed to the MPA.. Following the proposed changes to the MPA’s committee structure and member responsibilities the Authority had led to the need to review the Authority’s Scheme of Members’ Allowances.

Resolved – That

1. the Authority approved the changes to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances proposed in this report and therefore the Scheme attached as Appendix 2 to the report; and
2. this Scheme be effective from 10 October 2008 or from such date as the Scheme is published on the MPA’s website, whichever is the later.

The meeting closed at 12:03 pm

Appendix 1

Strategic and Operational Policing Committee

• Reshard Auladin (Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold
• Chris Boothman
• James Cleverly
• Toby Harris
• Neil Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Kit Malthouse (MPA Vice-Chairman)
• Steve O’Connell, Chairman of Finance & Resources
• Cindy Butts, Chairman of Communities, Equalities & People

Finance and Resources Committee

• Steve O’Connell (Chairman)
• Faith Boardman
• Dee Doocey
• Len Duvall
• Richard Tracey
• Deborah Regal
• Graham Speed
• Kit Malthouse (MPA Vice-Chairman)
• Cindy Butts, Chairman of Communities, Equalities & People
• Reshard Auladin, Chairman of Strategic & Operational Policing

Communities, Equalities and People Committee

• Cindy Butts (Chairman)
• Christopher Boothman
• Victoria Borwick
• Valerie Brasse
• Kirsten Hearn
• Clive Lawton
• Kit Malthouse (MPA Vice-Chairman)
• Reshard Auladin, Chair of Strategic & Operational Policing
• Steve O’Connell, Chair of Finance & Resources

Corporate Governance Committee

• Toby Harris (Chairman)
• Valerie Brasse
• Neil Johnson
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon

Standards Committee

• Stephanie Caplan (Chairman)
• Christopher Boothman
• Anne Dickens (Vice Chairman)
• Dee Doocey
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Deborah Regal
• Richard Tracey

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