The Panel considered the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposal to increase the precept by 12.75% and the reasoning behind that proposal, was presented by Alison Hernandez the PCC, Fran Hughes the OPCC Chief Executive and Nicky Allen the OPCC Treasurer.

In addition to the report, the Panel received a presentation which set out a detailed budget analysis.

In response to questions, the Panel were advised that –

(a)   There was a budget requirement for 2019/20 of £312m;

(b)  Staffing was the main area of expenditure – 83% of the overall budget;

(c)   £24 increase (Band D) equated to 12.75%;

(d)  Overall increased funding of £22m; 7.5% overall increase;

(e)  There was a Police Officer pension pressure of £7.7m;

(f)    Pay awards and wage growth pressure of £7.5m.

The panel agreed

1.    not to exercise the Panel’s veto in respect of the Police Crime Commissioners (PCC) proposal for a £24 increase in the Band D equivalent for the police element of the council tax for the 2019/20 financial year.

2.    to note:

a.     That the Reserves Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy and the Capital Strategy have been published online to enhance transparency.

b.    That it is intended that the level of General Balances held will be nomore than 5% or no less than 3% of the net annual budget at the end of the financial year.

c.     Police  Officers  and  Police  Staff  will  be  receiving  an  overall  2% increase in pay for the year to August 2019, in accordance with national pay settlements.

3.    that the Chair, on behalf of the panel write to the Government to outline that a Fairer Funding Settlement for Policing, in particular for communities in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly must be established through the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

The letter should note the panel’s view that –

a.     Whilst the extra flexibility for Police and Crime Commissioners to raise more funding locally has enabled our local Police and Crime Commissioner to secure growth in policing next year, it has and will continue to have a negative impact on the poorest communities who are most likely to be a victim of crime;

b.    It should be recognised in any future settlement that Devon and Cornwall has an increased population over the summer months which the panel does not believe is captured in base funding formula for policing the peninsula;

c.     Devon and Cornwall with complex rural, urban and coastal policing demands does not receive a fair funding when compared to large metropolitan areas;

d.    Whilst accepting that local taxation will always play a part in police funding, the Panel calls upon the Government to halt the trend of significant increases to local taxation, and to resource the Police Service adequately through a funding settlement.

The Police and Crime Commissioner will provide a written report in relation to the proposed level of precept for 2017-18.  The Panel will consider the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposal and will decide whether to support or veto it.

The Panel considered the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposal to increase the precept by 1.99% and the reasoning behind that proposal, as presented by the Chief Constable, the PCC and Duncan Walton, OPCC Treasurer.

The PCC advised the Panel that this was her first budget since taking office and she had attempted to ensure that it was progressive, modernising, sustainable and financially balanced.  She was determined to maximise the resources available to the Chief Constable to deliver the Police and Crime Plan.  Her vision for policing was set out in the Police and Crime Plan – Safe, Resilient and Connected Communities.

In addition to the report, the Panel received a presentation which set out a detailed budget analysis as contained in the attached –

Precept presentation

In response to questions, the Panel were advised that –

The Police and Crime Commissioner will provide a written report in relation to the proposed level of precept for 2016-17.  The Panel will consider the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposal and will decide whether to support or veto it.

Ross Jago highlighted to the Panel that there were insufficient members present to veto the precept.

The Panel considered the Police and Crime Commissioner’s proposal to increase the precept by 1.99% and the reasoning behind that proposal, as presented by the PCC, the OPCC Chief Executive and the OPCC Treasurer.

The OPCC Treasurer advised the Panel that this budget was the final one for the current PCC and set a firm foundation and opportunities for the next PCC. 

In addition to the report, the Panel received a presentation which set out a detailed budget analysis as contained in the attached –

In response to questions, Members were advised -

Having considered the evidence presented by the Police and Crime Commissioner and his support staff, the Police and Crime Panel:

Agreed unanimously the proposal to increase the precept by 1.99% (13 members present out of 20).

During the debate members of the Police and Crime Panel raised specific concerns and –

(A report detailing these recommendations was sent to the PCC on 8 February 2016)