Reports from committees

Report: 7
Date: 27 October 2011
By: Chief Executive

Summary

At each meeting of the Authority members will receive a report from committees that have meet in recent weeks.

This report from the Authority’s committees provides members with details of the key items considered at each of the committees and their Sub-committees.

This report covers the following meetings:

• Communities, Equalities and People Committee - 1 September 2011
• Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 8 September 2011
• Finance and Resources Committee – 22 September 2011

Communities, Equalities and People Committee - 1 September 2011

Members present: Cindy Butts (Chair), Reshard Auladin, Victoria Borwick and Kirsten Hearn.

Oral Update from Head of Equalities and Engagement

The MPA has approved the development of a Multi-Point Entry scheme for the MPS, which will be overseen by a joint MPA/MPS panel led by a senior MPS officer. Initially this will seek to appoint candidates into specialist areas, with candidates being selected from existing MPS talent programmes. The MPA is consulting with Tom Winsor on this scheme he is scheduled to meet with Kit Malthouse to discuss the developments. Because some Multi-Point Entry developments will require legislative changes; the MPA has been liaising with the Home Office on the feasibility of the proposals.

Following the disorder that occurred across London; the MPA took part in extensive community consultation activities. Members and senior officers attended Gold Group meetings in Tottenham and at New Scotland Yard, which were crucial in gathering community intelligence, and for relaying reassurance messages. The MPA also attended the Independent Police Complaints Commission community meetings in Haringey and liaised with individual boroughs to relay intelligence. Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) also conducted additional visits and no formal complaints were received from those held in custody as a result of taking part in the disturbances. In order to process compensation claims under the Riot Damages Act; a consistent process has been adopted for Police Authorities to manage claims, and the processing of claims will begin shortly.

Victims Code of Practice Update

A new Victims Code of Practice (VCOP) Strategy will be presented to the Victim Satisfaction Board on 6 September 2011; with proposals to improve victim satisfaction through improved communications with the public. An Equality Impact Assessment would also be conducted on the new strategy. Members were informed that budgetary constraints in the Territorial Policing development programme may lead to the closure of the Victim Focus Units. It was noted that this would shift the responsibility for maintaining contact with victims to the individual case officers, which would improve the quality of contact.

Members noted that some victims feel that their crimes are not being sufficiently investigated, and that they are dissatisfied at only receiving a letter informing them as such. The MPS reaffirmed that all crimes are recorded and investigated, but that in some cases there is insufficient evidence to progress the cases. The new VCOP Strategy proposes that letters are supplemented by phone calls and visits by Safer Neighbourhood Teams, which will assist in managing the expectations of victims.

MPA Domestic and Sexual Violence Board Final Report

This report provided an overview of the activities of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board (DSVB) during the five years it operated. During this time the DSVB received presentations from all 32 London Boroughs, and also examined wider strategic themes across London. Although the DSVB will have no further formal meetings, partners are still able to network on developing policies. Members noted that the DSVB has been successful in instigating improvements to services to domestic violence victims across London, and that the MOPC should maintain oversight of these matters.

Communities, Equalities and People Committee Annual Report

In order to further promote the work of the Committee; members requested that a report examining the legacy of CEP be produced for the Full Authority meeting. This report will provide an overview of the following key issues examined by the Committee: community engagement, equality and diversity, MPS Human Resources developments, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board, and the Hate Crime Forum.

Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 8 September 2011

Members present: Toby Harris (as Chairman), Tony Arbour, Chris Boothman, Jennette Arnold, Jenny Jones, Joanne McCartney and Caroline Pidgeon.

Urgent actions and operational issues

The Chair agreed to table this report regarding claims made under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 as ‘urgent’ for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1972, paragraph 100B(4b). He cited the following reason for urgency: that a robust process of claim-handling must be agreed upon prior to the deadline for applications for compensation under the RDA being reached, in order to enable claims to be determined in a consistent, proportionate and timely fashion.

Members agreed that:

1. For claims with a value up to £500,000 (whether insured or uninsured), authority is delegated to the Commissioner (acting through DLS) to investigate the claim, determine whether loss or damage was caused by a riot, and to fix the just level of compensation payable under the RDA.
2. For claims with a value of £500,000 or more (whether insured or uninsured), DLS will investigate and report to the Authority, and the Authority will determine whether loss or damage was caused by a riot, and fix the just level of compensation payable under the RDA.
3. For claims with a value up to £500,000 (whether insured or uninsured), an appeal against the determinations of the Commissioner (acting through DLS) may be brought to the Authority on the basis of: whether loss or damage was caused by a riot; and/or the just level of compensation payable under the RDA.
4. In accordance with MPA Standing Order 3.1.5, a panel composed of no fewer than three members of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee, is to be established. The terms of reference for this panel will be to exercise all of the powers of the Authority in relation to: (1) claims made under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886; and, (2) appeals against determinations by the Commissioner of claims made under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886.
5. To delegate to DLS the authority to reject claims where they do not fall within the terms of the Riot (Damages) Act and associated regulations.

Thematic performance report

The MPS introduced this report against the MPA/MPS Policing London Business Plan strategic objective to ‘convince communities we are on their sides’. They noted that the Public Attitude Survey has recorded upward trends in community confidence against the baseline year, 2008/09. The MPS have introduced a ‘problem orientated partnership’ approach to involve partners and the public in solving local issues. Members were informed that ASB is significantly down, as are percentages of those ‘worried’ by ASB.

The MPS informed Members that the informed and proportionate use of stop and search was an essential tool for policing London. They noted that regional variations in its use must be monitored and understood – citing that it is tends to be used less often in Haringey than in comparable boroughs, for instance.

A Member praised the role that many CPEGs play in assuaging community anxieties and asked for the MPA to confirm plans for CPEGs. Jane Harwood, Deputy Chief Executive of the MPA, responded that a proposal will shortly be drafted and Members will be informed of any developments. The MPS noted that engagement of 15-24 year olds remained problematic and that they needed to do more – referring Members to the failure to establish a successful Youth IAG. Members were informed that a new group was being established to encourage a more active conversation.

MPS Implementation of the Police National Database

The MPS stated that the PND will replace the legacy system - which enabled officers to view where information on a crime or suspect was held, but then required the officer to contact that force directly in order to receive any further information. The PND will provide an easily accessible one-stop shop which will assist officers in developing lines of inquiry and fundamentally impact officer decision-making, in relation to cases involving children, terrorism, and serious and organised crime.

Members were informed that PND will include over 48 million person records from across 65 forces and agencies. 12000 officers will have access to PND nationally – which is low in comparison with systems such as CRIMINT, which has 30000 users within the MPS. This limited user base will contribute to the security of the system. PND is hoped to be rolled out across London by the end of October, and has been in operation elsewhere since June 2011.

Noting that the timeframe for delivery across the MPS had been revised, the Chair requested for the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee to receive with an update on PND when it is operational.

Update on Operation Target

The MPS informed Members that resource had been directed from Target to Kirkin following the disturbances in August. They suggested that Target was likely to resume shortly. They outlined that at the core of Operation Target is the capacity of the MPS to deploy resources in line with organisational requirements – all tasking is evidence-based. They confirmed that the tasking model which underpins Target – of one organisation working together - is being considered for use during the Olympics.

Operational policing and officer availability

The MPS informed Members that whilst civilian posts were reducing this was due to productivity gains being achieved, and these posts were not being back-filled by officers where possible. They stated that even during a period of exceptionally high demand (in August) the organisation coped very well, and noted that having officers in some mid- and back-office roles enabled the MPS to maintain a ‘surge capacity’.

A Member queried whether the MPS were properly evidencing value for money – as recommended by the GLA’s recent report on this topic. Another Member noted the reputed time-saving of 11,700 officer hours per month achieved by the partial roll-out of personal digital assistants (PDAs). He asked whether this saving had been monetised and suggested that, if these figures are verified, this roll-out should be broadened in order to achieve value for money. The MPS responded that they would seek to validate and monetise those figures and report back to the MPA.

The MPS were asked how they ensure that officers receive sufficient care and rest whilst working during periods of high demand. In order to ensure that officers were not deployed gratuitously, levels of risk and resource required were identified in a rigorous manner. Officers were given ‘green days’ (rest days) where possible, including increased numbers following the disorder. Mutual aid officers were used to mitigate officer fatigue, and the METFed fully engaged to ensure that welfare needs were met. The MPS noted that best practice will be extracted from the disturbances in order to inform planning for the Olympics.

Finance and Resources Committee – 22 September 2011

Members present: Dee Doocey (Chair), John Biggs, Christopher Boothman Amanda Sater, Valerie Shawcross and Graham Speed.

Revenue and capital budget monitoring 2011/12 – period 4

As at period 4 (July 2011) the revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £6.2m (0.2% of budget). This is before any account is taken of the budget resilience provision or the costs of Operations Kirkin and Withern. The capital programme as at the end of period 4 shows year to date expenditure of £45.6m. This represents 24.5% of the annual programme budget of £186.3m.

Treasury management -1st quarter 2011/12

Information relating to Treasury Management activity for the period 1 April to 30 June 2011 was provided. Members did not identify any points of concern in the report regarding the first quarter but noted that there are likely to be pressures on the cash flow in the second quarter as the financial consequences of the disturbances in August become apparent. For example, it is expected that there will be an increase in the overtime payments at the end of October and compensation awards under the Riot Damages Act will begin to be paid shortly. The Finance and Resources Committee will be advised of the effects of these pressures through the monthly budget monitoring report and will also be advised of the position regarding the recovery of costs from the Home Office where applicable. It is considered that the MPA is well placed should it become necessary to borrow to cover peaks in expenditure as there are several possible sources open to it for borrowing monies and it the case that interest rates continue to be at historically low levels.

The Committee was also provided with an update with respect to Landsbanki: the Icelandic Supreme High Court has begun to hear the appeals from non priority status investors. The intention is for the Court to hear all the appeals and then make a joint announcement concerning the outcome. This is expected to be in late October.

Police Property Act Fund

The Committee received details of the financial statements 2010/11 and provided information on the grants awarded in2011/12.

Sponsorship received in 2010/11

The Committee received an annual report which sets out the revel of sponsorship income received by the MPS during the financial year 2010/11 as well as the current stewardship and financial reporting arrangements.

The MPS views sponsorship from the private and public sectors (within an appropriate governance framework) as a positive and useful source of income and support to supplement existing grant funding and income. The acceptance of sponsorship for non-core policing activities is intended to extend and enhance police force services to the community. Care is exercised when accepting gifts of money; loans or sponsorship to ensure the correct balance is maintained between the legitimate business aims of the sponsors or donors and the police authority. Strict governance arrangements are in place to ensure sponsorship does not influence future contractual arrangements.

Cash sponsorship totalling £1.81m was received by the MPS during the year for a number of initiatives both local and corporate. The largest single sponsorship agreement is between the Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) and the Association of Payment and Clearing Services (APACS) which provides funding towards a dedicated fraud unit.. In respect of in-kind sponsorship, one of the key sponsorship areas during 2010/11 was the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) Scheme with services-in-kind valued at just under £1m. Under this Scheme, local employers are encouraged to allow their staff paid leave to work for the Metropolitan Special Constabulary.. Events that are either MPS activities or MPS led ACPO events generate income from sponsors and exhibitors to offset the cost of running the event. This allows for the education of staff and the sharing of best practice at reduced cost to policing budgets.

Construction category update

The Committee was updated on various construction contracts currently in place and agreed to the re-instatement of the £150,000 minor works threshold, as allowed for within the scope of the Facility Management Contracts entered into with Balfour Beatty Workplace and Interserve Facilities Management .

Framework agreement for the provision of airwave radio terminals, accessories and managed services

Details were submitted of the outcome of the formal competitive tendering exercise for the setting up of a replacement multi-supplier framework agreement for the supply of Airwave radio terminals, accessories and managed services. This new framework will be for a term of four years and with a total contract value of up to £160M. for all forces and organisations and up to £20M for the MPS.

The Metropolitan Police’s use of the Sprint II framework following Its mandation by the Home Secretary
Members received an update on the mandated framework contract now in place for all new commoditised hardware and software. It is estimated that the value of goods purchased through this contract over the next three years will total £48M.

Forensic Science Service (exempt)

A follow up report was provided to the exempt report which was considered at the full Authority meeting on 28 July. At the July meeting the MPS were given delegated approval (within certain parameters) to negotiate the financial settlement with the Home Office. This report updated members on the latest position. Agreement has now been reached with the Home Office, which taking into account a revised business case, fell within the agreed delegated levels. The report contained details of the final offer from the Home Office and of the new operating model which is due to come into place from 3 October.

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