Agenda item

Helen Murray, Head of Programmes introduced the report and reminded the Board that Cllr Spicer had given evidence at the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC). The Board were informed that in HASC’s view it was still too early to tell whether or not Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC’s) had been successful.

In addition the Board’s views were sought on recommendations made by HASC on areas where the LGA could do some further work to support panels and PCCs.

Members noted that the PCC for the West Midlands, Bob Jones, had passed away the week before and there would be a by-election on 21 August. They also discussed the conclusions in the Local Government Innovation Taskforce report supporting the recommendations made by the Independent Police Commission about the need for the police to be accountable to local people. Members agreed on the need to respond to the HASC recommendations and made a number of comments on the proposed responses including

•           The transition period referred to in paragraph 10.1 was not a helpful suggestion as new commissioners would want to get on with their new role immediately.

•           The level of financial support for panels in Wales was even more of an issue and had led to one panel being unable to pay members’ travel expenses.

•           The LGA should consider creating a standing group of panel representatives that it could refer matters to, there could be more regional meetings, and there could be more of a focus on elected members.

•           The wording of any response should address the issue that while the LGA supported panels there was not cross-party agreement about support for the wider system.

Decision:

Members agreed the responses set out in paragraphs 10.2 to 10.5 and that paragraph 10.1 should be reworded, subject to Lead Members approving the final wording of the response to HASC.