Agenda item

The attached report sets out the medium term financial forecast and budget timetable for 2017/18, including planning assumptions for precept income, and will be introduced by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

45. The Panel considered the Report by the Police and Crime Commissioner

which set out the latest budget planning assumptions for the financial year

2017/18. It also contained the Medium Term Financial Forecast (MTFF) covering the period up to 2021.

 

46. The Head of Finance (Sussex Police) took the Panel through the Report. He

advised that this report set out the position statement and timetable for the

OSPCC. He added that a review was currently being undertaken in relation to the

police grant formula, and that Sussex Police would ensure they took a full part in

the consultation. He further added that the accounts had now been formally

approved. These accounts assumed no precept increase as yet, and set out the

budget savings that were required.

 

47. The Panel raised the following issues and questions of the Commissioner:

 

• A question was raised about the cost of asset management. The Head of

Finance confirmed that there was currently a review being undertaken of

asset management, and the report would be updated consequently if

changes needed to be made.

 

• The Panel raised concerns that, although it had been promised that

neighbourhood policing was a priority, a significant amount of the budget had

been cut from this area as part of the wider savings that needed to be made.

The Commissioner explained that the local neighbourhood policing model had

not been reviewed for some time. Savings did need to be made, and changes

in the nature and types of crimes being committed needed to be addressed.

She assured the Panel that local neighbourhood policing was still a priority,

and she would continue to scrutinise the Chief Constable on the new model,

and would continue to listen to stakeholders and members of the public on

this issue.

 

• A question was asked in terms of street drinking in Hastings. The

Commissioner was happy to talk further on this issue outside of the meeting,

and advised that the member in question may wish to see if the recent local

alcohol action area’s pilot could be extended.

 

• The Panel asked for the level of cuts to PCSOs. The Commissioner confirmed

that there had been a reduction of around 60 PCSO roles.

 

• In relation to the financial provisional, as set out page 26 of the agenda, the

Panel asked for a breakdown of these costs. The Head of Finance agreed to

provide a breakdown to the Panel.

 

• Regarding the level of reserves currently set at 4.3%, the Panel asked if this

was being reviewed. The Commissioner advised that the lower limit had been

set at 4%, providing flexibility for unforeseen circumstances.

 

• The Panel asked if the interim forecast was looking accurate, in terms of the

original budget. The Head of Finance confirmed that they anticipated a

balanced budget and agreed to provide a line on this issue in further reports.

 

• The Panel asked when the Commissioner would have further information on

the possible changes to the police grant formula. The Commissioner advised

Unconfirmed minutes – subject to amendment/confirmation at the next meeting of

the Police and Crime Panel that they had no further information at present, but would ensure that they were fully engaged in the consultation process.

 

• Regarding the level of savings required, the Panel asked why a surplus in

some years was being carried over when significant cuts were being made to

budgets. The Commissioner advised that it was prudent to plan sensibly,

and be prepared for other issues that may arise.

 

• Concern was raised regarding the level of savings required, and the Panel

asked if the Commissioner lobbied government for more funding. The

Commissioner confirmed that she continued to lobby government, and had

effectively done so in previous years.

 

• The Panel asked if the Commissioner was aware of upcoming changes to

pension provision for women. The Commissioner confirmed that she would

look into this matter.

 

• Regarding income generation, the Commissioner advised that she was open

to this, and always looking for opportunities. She continued to work with

Gatwick Airport and Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club in terms of

policing costs.

• The Panel asked what options there ware for an increased precept. The

Commissioner advised that the budget had been set on an assumption of no

precept increase, and it was the Chief Constable’s responsibility to provide

evidence to her if an increase was necessary. At that point she would consult

with the public.

 

• The Panel questioned the level of communication that had been undertaken

regarding the changes to neighbourhood policing. The Commissioner advised

that Sussex Police had undertaken a very detailed and thorough

communications plan for this, and that she had been disappointed in the low

turnout by local members to public meetings and roadshows.

 

• The Panel asked if the Commissioner was confident that the Chief Constable

had the sufficient resources to deliver the Police and Crime Plan as the detail

was still being developed. The Commissioner explained that this was an

assumption based on current knowledge.

 

• The Commissioner confirmed that the Police Hub was not closing in Hastings.

48. Resolved – that the Panel:

 

1. Notes the Medium Term Financial Forecast and Budget Timetable

2017/18