Minutes:
Councillor Charlotte Morley, the Council’s representative on the Surrey Police and Crime Panel (PCP), reported that PCP’s had been formed, under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act, after Police Authorities had been replaced by directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).
This joint committee, hosted by Surrey County Council consisted of one Member from each of the Borough/District Councils, one from Surrey County Council and 2 independent co-opted Members, each with equal voting rights.
The PCP was responsible for reviewing:
(i) The PCCs draft Police and Crime Plan;
(ii) The PCCs proposed chief constable;
(iii) The PCCs annual report;
(iv) The PCCs proposed precept; and
(v) Senior appointments to the PCCs office.
It also dealt with non-criminal complaints against the PCC and had a wider obligation to act as the PCCs critical friend as well as acting as a supportive but independent voice, seeking to investigate the PCC with a view to recommending improvements. The PCP had a complaints sub-committee and a finance sub-group, but could establish ad-hoc project/task groups as required.
The PCP had the power to veto PCC decisions, but only twice, after which the PCC could overrule the Panel. It could veto the appointments of a Chief Constable or a Deputy PCC, but had no influence in the selection thereof.
Councillor Morley reported that the PCC was proposing a precept increase of 24%, which would trigger a referendum. The PCP would consider the precept proposal at its meeting on 5 February 2015. The PCC was required to have a fall back precept should the PCL vote against his proposal and in the event that the precept triggered a referendum, the resultant costs would be met by the PCCs office.
Councillor Morley reported that a Crime Summit for Surrey Heath would be held in the Camberley Theatre on Thursday 12 February 2015 from 7 - 9 p.m. and suggested that Members take the opportunity to attend and contribute.
Resolved, that the presentation be noted.