Agenda and draft minutes

No declarations were received.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Panel meeting held on 13 November 2023 be approved and signed by the Chair.

NOTE: when looking at the ‘Action list’, members asked for an update on the current situation on the use of CCTV intelligence.  The Commissioner stated that technology was moving quickly, however, it seemed to be the older systems which were proving more challenging as these didn’t tend to store onto the cloud.  Some areas such as Leek, in Staffordshire Moorlands had upgraded and this had improved the availability of evidence gathering.  The Chair responded to confirm that the Panel would continue to ask questions on surveillance equipment as it was a key part of intelligence gathering.

No decisions had been published on the Commissioners website since the last meeting.

Questions to the Commissioner are invited from members of the public who live or work in Staffordshire. Notice of questions must be received by no later than three clear working days before the Panel meeting.  More information on where and how to submit a question can be found at https://bit.ly/34arVDw

The Panel considered the questions ask by a member of the public and the Commissioners written response.  It was noted that the questions were submitted prior to the last meeting but had missed the deadline for publication on that agenda so had been included today for information.

Mr Bradbury attended the meeting but had no supplementary questions.

Resolved: That the questions asked and the Commissioners response were noted.

a) Budget Report 2024/25 including MTFS

b) Capital Strategy and Capital Programme

c) Reserves Strategy update

d) Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25

The Commissioner introduced his report which set out the proposed budget and precept proposals for the Police and Crime element of his portfolio for 2024/25.  He reported that the proposed budget/precept showed a total net revenue budget requirement of £264.824mfor 2024/25. 

The Commissioner proposed to part fund the balance from Council Tax funding of £100.091m with an increase of 4.99% per annum (an increase of £13 per annum) increasing the Council tax to £273.57 p.a. per Band D property.

The Commissioner stated that he believed that the budget was in a positive position and it allowed the Force to respond to incidents.  More emphasis would now be on surveillance and organised crime and more proactive policing.  Considerable investment in the service was needed however, particularly in Technology and Estates.

The Panel was informed that the Force would continue to strive for savings and efficiencies and had saved £7m during 2023/34 with more savings planned in future years.  The Commissioner felt that there was still considerable uncertainty in terms of the economy; pay increases; and pension contributions.

The Panel received a presentation from the Commissioner’s s151 Officer, which was considered along with the report which included the following:

1.   Budget Report 2024/25 including Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)

2.   Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25

3.   Reserves Strategy update

4.   Capital Strategy and Capital Programme 2024/25 to 2027/28

The Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/25 set out proposals for the management of the Commissioner’s cash flows, borrowing and investments and their associated risks.

The Reserves Strategy update paper considered the overall level of reserves held at 31 March 2023 and the forecast position at 31 March 2024. 

The Capital Strategy and Capital Programme (Including Minimum Revenue Provision Policy) set out the long-term capital investment and investment decisions.

A summary of the results of the public and stakeholder engagement survey which had been carried out by the Commissioner was included in the papers.

In addition to the information in the report, the following was gained during the discussion and questioning:

·       The Panel was reminded that the budget for 2023/24 was forecast to achieve a small underspend and had saved all of the savings identified and included recruitment of an additional 60 officers. 

·       Investment in new technologies and infrastructure (e.g. Police stations, vehicles and custody facilities) was needed.

·       Significant inflation pressures still remained.  Uncertainty over future pay awards all meant that accurate financial predictions were difficult.

·       The MTFS showed a budget gap of £19m by the end of March 2028.  The process to address this had been started.

·       Prior to any decisions being taken regarding projects or investments, a full governance programme was followed to ensure that the investment was still needed and the proposals were still the most effective and best value for money.

·       Efficiency savings were mentioned in the report.  It was explained that these included managing costs in contracts and better use of specialist services such as data analysis.  The Commissioner explained that more productivity could be achieved by using technology to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

The Panel received a report from its member representatives at the AGM of the National Conference for Police, Fire and Crime Panels, held on 9 November 2023.

Workshops attended as part of the National Conference had included discussions on ‘Public confidence in policing’; ‘Measuring success’ and Preparing for change’.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Members of the Panel questioned/sought the views of the Commissioner on the following issues and received the responses indicated:

Question 1 – Could the Commissioner provide an update on the project to replace the Firearms range?

Response: The Commissioner reported that the project was going through the planning process but the proposals were subject to review as discussed earlier to ensure that demand and need hadn’t changed and that the scheme was still the best option for the force.  It was hoped that a decision would be made soon.

The next meeting of the Panel would be held on 12 February 2024 to consider the Fire and Rescue Budget and Precept 2023/24.

RESOLVED – That the dates of future meetings be noted.