Acquisition Of A South West Base For The Transport Operational Command Unit

Report: 13
Date: 23 September 2004
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report proposes the acquisition of a lease of premises to provide the new South West London Base for the Transport Operational Command Unit (OCU).

A. Recommendations

1. Members approve the acquisition by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) of leased office accommodation, to provide a South West London Base for the Transport Operational Command Unit (Transport OCU). Details are provided in exempt Appendix 1; and
2. amend the capital programme and charge £190,000 to capital account in 2004/05 and finance from additional capital receipts/landlord's contribution.

B. Supporting information

1. Under Phase 1 of the proposals, the MPA gave approval to the signing of a Special Services Agreement (SSA) with Transport for London (TfL) for the delivery of the new Transport OCU on the 25 April 2002.

2. The Transport OCU was officially launched in July 2002 as a result of this partnership with TfL.

3. Under Phase 2 of the proposals, the Transport OCU was granted authority through the SSA for the provision of additional services. The MPA minutes of 2 June 2003 refer and contain four specific objectives that have been agreed with TfL.

4. The revision to the contract (under Phase 2) gives authority to the Transport OCU to increase staff from 530 to 926 staff by 31 March 2004. This expansion has necessitated further accommodation for the Transport OCU in addition to the recently acquired southern base in SW 9.

5. The policing strategy is based upon staff being deployed within five geographical areas. This paper relates to the main base required for South West London, as a replacement base for Kensington High Street. Details of the future use of Kensington High Street are contained in exempt Appendix 1.

6. The preferred location for the Transport OCU is in an area to the west of London close to main arterial roads with ease of access to red routes. The preferred site meets the operational and logistical requirements of the Transport OCU.

7. The premises are to accommodate 176 staff with secure parking for all operational vehicles.

8. Following a period of negotiation an agreement has been reached with the Landlords for the leasing of the premises. Details are contained in exempt Appendix 1.

C. Race and Equality impact

There are no equality or diversity implications arising from the issues in the report. The proposed venue is accessible to staff, being serviced by good public transport and road networks.

D. Financial implications

Although the lease will be taken by the MPA on behalf of the Transport OCU, there will be no cost to the MPA in respect of either leasing costs or fitting out works. All costs are to be borne by TfL as part of the funding arrangements contained within the SSA.

E. Legal implications

1.  A commercial Lease Contract is to be entered into by the MPA to formalise the terms of the agreement. The contract will contain no unduly onerous or unusual terms save for those terms and provisions which form part of a standard commercial lease granted in today’s market.
2. The property acquisition is for a purpose that is within the powers of the Authority.

F. Background Papers

• Minutes of MPA Professional Standards & Performance Monitoring Committee – 13 June 2002
• Minutes of MPA Planning, Performance & Review Committee – 11 November 2002.
• Minutes of Co-ordination and Operating Policing Committee – 2 June 2003

G. Contact details

Report author: Alan Croney, Director of Property Services, MPS.

For more information contact:

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

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