Charging for policing of events

Report: 5
Date: 20 October 2003
By: Treasurer and the Commissioner

Summary

The report outlines that it is appropriate to establish a clear policy basis for charging for the policing of private events following which practical and legal issues could be considered.

A. Recommendation

That members agree

1. that three members of the Authority should direct a review of policing of private events with support from MPA and MPS officers, with a report back to CoP by the end of this financial year; and
2. that nominations are accordingly requested from three members.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. At the meeting of the MPA on 25 September 2003 members considered the demand placed on police resources by private events such as the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition and David Blaine’s activities. It was agreed that the Authority should develop criteria with the MPS to determine who should pay for policing costs for such events in the future.

Efficiency and effectiveness review

2. This issue has already received some consideration as part of an efficiency and effectiveness review of Income Generation carried out by Accenture in February 2002.

3. Whilst the Accenture report is written primarily with the objective of generating additional income it also acknowledges the benefit that charging may result in a reduced demand for policing thus mitigating the opportunity cost of such events. However, Accenture did identify that the policy and approach is likely to vary depending upon the nature of the event or organiser concerned, for example commercial events, major sporting events, charitable events, and approaches by public sector organisations e.g. hospitals and local authorities.

Subsequent actions

4. Following Accenture’s report it was agreed, with the support of the Mayor, to pursue the issue of football clubs making a larger contribution towards policing costs associated with football matches. There is also a national initiative on this subject involving the Home Office. Progress is slow.

5. One issue which consideration of policing of football has demonstrated is the limited legal basis for enforcing charges for policing outside the immediate environs of a particular event.

Proposed review

6. However the Accenture report confirmed that there is a lack of clear and consistent policies in regard to the provision and funding of police resources in relation to events in London. It would therefore be appropriate to establish a clear policy basis for charging for the policing of private events following which practical and legal issues could be considered.

7. The review should therefore determine:

• the definition of events for which charges should be made
• the cost base for charges, e.g. policy on overheads
• definition of any grounds for abatement or waiver of charges
• the scope of policing activity which should be included in the definition of events for which charges should be made

8. In considering these points the review should draw on:

• relevant existing policies and practices of the MPS
• the Accenture report
• the experience in relation to charging for football matches

9. The review should then consider practical, legal and any other potential obstacles to implementing the policy and identify actions which should be pursued to overcome them.

10. It is suggested that three members of the Authority should direct the review with support from MPA and MPS officers, and report back to CoP by the end of this financial year.

C. Equality and diversity implications

None specifically identified at this stage.

D. Financial implications

It is anticipated that additional revenue will be generated to cover costs of policing events in London. This will release resources to focus on the stated objectives of the Authority.

E. Background papers

• Accenture report on Income Generation

F. Contact details

Report author: Peter Martin, MPA.

For more information contact:

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

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