Archived decisions

    AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY held at The Castle, Winchester on Tuesday 24 September, 2002

PRESENT:

    Councillor S.A. Hayes (Chairman); Mrs. R. Atkinson; Mr. M.J. Attenborough-Cox; Mrs. C. Barratt; Mrs. L. Cawsey JP; Councillor J. Fazackarley; Mrs. J. Griffin JP; Mr. R.J. Gully; Councillor P.A. Heath; Mr. G.M. King JP; Councillor D. Knowles; Councillor P. Mason; Mr. R. Palmer; Councillor Mrs. J. Rayment; Councillor Mrs. M. Snaith.

    Also present: Mr. P.C.B. Robertson (Clerk); Mr. P.R. Kernaghan (Chief Constable); Mr. I.R. Readhead (Deputy Chief Constable); Mr. J. Pittam (Treasurer); Mr. M. Coombes (Director of Finance); Ms. J. Simms (Corporate Services); Ms. S. Jackson; Mrs. M. Boyes; Ms. C. Vagg (Clerk's office).

616 APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Councillor A. Collett and Councillor D. Gillett.

617 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 23 July, 2002 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising:

Minute 615 - Failure of the British Telecom 999 System

The Deputy Chief Constable updated the Authority on this matter and indicated that BT had acknowledged their failure to deliver a service in accordance with contract conditions on the occasion of the failure of the system on 25 April, 2002. He indicated that the value of any refund, compensation and beneficial terms for future purchase from BT was currently being agreed and would be known in the next week or so.

Members noted the current position.

618 CHAIRMAN'S REPORTS

      (a) Hampshire Police Federation

      The Chairman welcomed the new Chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, Keith Ward, and the Deputy Secretary, Richard Matthews, to the meeting.

      (b) Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary - Sir Ronnie Flanagan

      The Chairman indicated that the new HMIC, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, would be joining Members for lunch and the informal session of the Authority.

      (c) Police League Tables in England and Wales

      The Chairman referred to recently published league tables for all police forces in England and Wales which placed Hampshire fourth best out of the 43 Forces. He praised the Constabulary for achieving this position and indicated that he would send the document to all Members for information.

      (d) Public Reassurance Issues

      The Chairman reported that, together with the Vice-Chairman and Councillor Collett, he had met with the Chief Constable and Mr. Jacobs, Assistant Chief Constable (Territorial Operations) on 16 July to outline the Authority's concerns about public reassurance issues following the last Away Day. He indicated that the Chief Constable and Mr. Jacobs had set up a team chaired by Chief Superintendent A. Thomas which had met on 12 September to examine the issues in more detail. The notes of this meeting were currently awaited and would be circulated to all Members in due course and he expressed the hope that any initiatives which emerged from this process would ultimately be translated into operational actions.

619 HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 4 in the Minute Book) which dealt with the issue of the name of the Police Authority and Force.

The Clerk indicated that Schedule 1 of the Police Act 1996 prescribed that the name of the Police area should be "Hampshire" and that the extent was "The Counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the non-metropolitan districts of Portsmouth and Southampton". Section 3(2) of the 1996 Act stated that "A Police Authority establish under this Section for any area shall be a body corporate to be known by the name of the area with the addition of the words "Police Authority"". This meant that the name of the Authority was currently prescribed as "Hampshire Police Authority". The 1996 legislation also made it clear that the Police Force/Constabulary should be known as the Hampshire Police Force/Constabulary.

Members noted that neither the name of the Authority nor the Police Force could be altered without an amendment to Schedule 1 of the Act and that it was unlikely that such a change would be regarded as a priority by the Government. Previous representations made by the Authority to the Home Secretary had indicated that a change in the law would be required.

The Authority, whilst acknowledging that there was some sensitivity around this issue, had regard to the cost implications both for the Authority and, more significantly, for the Force, that would result from any name change. It was also noted that the Authority and the Force took every opportunity to link the name of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight together, for example through the consistent use of the Authority's logo and during the spoken greeting to callers to the Constabulary's Call Centre. Nonetheless, Members asked the officers to make initial enquiries to ascertain the broad costs and implications of changing the name of the Authority and Constabulary together with a Schedule of affected items.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and that a further report detailing the broad costs and implications of changing the name of the Authority and the Constabulary be presented as soon as possible.

620 POLICE REFORM ACT 2002 - BRIEFING UPDATE

The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 5 in the Minute Book) which set out the implications of the Police Reform Act 2002 for Police Authorities.

The Clerk highlighted the main provisions of the Act and drew attention, in particular, to Clause 95 which transferred legal liability for health and safety matters from Chief Constables to Police Authorities. He indicated that this matter would form the subject of a separate report to the next meeting of the Personnel Panel.

Members asked specific questions on aspects of the legislation including the establishment of a new Independent Police Complaints Commission and the inability of Police Authority Members to continue as Independent Custody Visitors from 31 March, 2003.

RESOLVED:

      (a) That the report be noted.

      (b) That the current Members' Allowances Scheme, as published on the Authority's website, continue in force and that a further report on travel and subsistence levels be considered at the meeting of the Authority in November.

621 POLICE AUTHORITIES 2003/04 PRECEPT NOTICE AND ANNUAL POLICING PLAN

The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 6 in the Minute Book) which suggested an approach for managing the planning process for the Police Authority's 2003/04 precept notice and annual policing plan.

The Treasurer indicated that regulations were currently awaited with regard to the content of the precept notice which would no longer be as prescriptive as in the past. The Authority would be able to include an explanation of next year's budget and any council tax increase.

RESOLVED:

      (a) That the Chairman and one other Member of the Community Affairs Steering Group and the Chairman and one other Member of the Best Value and Performance Management Panel be appointed to form a joint working group to approve the content and amendments to drafts of the 2003/04 Precept Notice, Annual Policing Plan and Best Value and Performance Management Plan.

      (b) That the full joint meeting of the Best Value and Performance Management Panel and the Community Affairs Steering Group be brought forward to December to consider the draft Annual Policing Plan 2003/04 and Precept Notice with the final document being recommended for approval to the full Authority meeting in February, 2003.

622 POLICE AND SUPPORT STAFF STRENGTH

The Authority considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 7 in the Minute Book) showing police and support staff strength against budgeted strength as at 31 August, 2002.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

623 AIRWAVE PROJECT - PROGRESS UPDATE

The Authority considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the progress currently being made with regard to the Airwave Radio Project both from a national and local prospective.

The Deputy Chief Constable indicated that the Force was on target to receive the service in the third quarter of 2003 although it was possible that this might slip back to December. He indicated that, as it was not a managed service, collaborative opportunities were now being explored with other Forces with this in mind.

Members expressed concern in relation to the coverage provided by the new system and, in response, the Deputy Chief Constable indicated that the provider could be held to account if the coverage was not in accordance with the contract conditions. The Authority also sought assurances with regard to health and safety issues for users of the system and, in addition, the possible interference of associated equipment with other machinery in the vicinity. On these points, the Deputy Chief Constable indicated that there was no evidence to support concerns raised but that HHampshire would continue to keep abreast of these issues.

The Authority complimented the Airwaves Team for the way in which they had helped to introduce the system both locally and nationally.

The Authority was also informed that, following the British Telecom system failure in April, the Force had given evidence to a Select Committee about its concerns over lack of radio coverage if the Constabulary had, at that time, been in receipt of the Airwave service. In the light of this experience, the Force was now exploring separacy arrangements. With regard to the coverage issue, the Force would need to assess this aspect in the light of operational experience and that, in any event, the contract would not be signed off unless there was complete satisfaction with the service provided.


RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

624 PERFORMANCE OF CALL MANAGEMENT DIVISION

The Authority considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 9 in the Minute Book) which updated Members on the impact of major changes over the past two years in the way it handles its telephone calls, on the Force's call handling performance. Changes included the centralisation of switchboards and control rooms, the adoptions of a single non-emergency number, and the introduction of an enquiry centre. Overall, the trend in all areas was positive and, in particular, the Force was now answering 90% of emergency calls within 10 seconds.

Members were pleased to note the high percentage of calls answered within their target times by the switchboard, Control Room, and Force Enquiry Centre, but felt it was important to have an analysis of the percentage of calls which were not answered in time.

In addition, Members noted the intention of the Force to embark upon a public information exercise aimed at educating people about the correct use of the emergency number. Members considered that it was important to ensure there was feedback to callers including when responses were negative.

In conclusion, the Authority thanked the Chief Constable for an interesting report and asked for an update in a further 6-9 months time.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

625 HAMPSHIRE INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITING SCHEME - JANUARY TO JUNE, 2002

The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 10 in the Minute Book) which reviewed the progress of the Hampshire Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for the period January to June, 2002 and attached as Appendices the six monthly progress reports from the four Panel Convenors.

The Authority noted that, with effect from 31 March, 2003, Members would no longer be able to serve as Independent Custody Visitors in accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002. The Chief Constable, however, indicated that Members would continue to be welcome should they wish to visit any custody suite in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight. The Clerk also indicated that ways were being explored of providing direct links between the Custody Visiting Scheme and the Authority perhaps by identifying link Members to "sit in" at Panel meetings and through invitations to future Annual seminars.

Members also commented upon issues raised in the report including ongoing heating problems at Basingstoke Police Station, the need for a consistent presentation of Convenors' reports which would be assisted by the delivery of a new computerised package from the Independent Custody Visiting Association, and the high costs associated with the use of Language Line.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

626 MEMBERS ATTENDING CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS OF OUTSIDE BODIES

The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 11 in the Minute Book) requesting approval for the attendance of Members at conferences and meetings of outside bodies.

RESOLVED:

That the attendance of Members at the events indicated in the report be approved.

627 THE SAFETY CAMERA PARTNERSHIP FOR HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT

The Authority considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 12 in the Minute Book) setting out the current situation regarding the Safety Camera Partnership and detailing progress made since 1 April, 2002.

Members stressed that maintaining the integrity of the system was paramount to achieving public confidence.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and that a further progress report be submitted in March, 2003.

628 MINUTES OF THE CRIME PREVENTION PANEL

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Crime Prevention Panel held on 25 July, 2002 be received (Item 13 in the Minute Book).

629 MINUTES OF THE PERSONNEL PANEL

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Personnel Panel held on 10 September, 2002 be received (Item 14 in the Minute Book).

Matters arising:-

      (a) Minute 143 - Health and Safety

      Members noted that this matter would continue to be monitored by the Personnel Panel

      (b) Minute 144 - Police Strength Forecast 2002/03

      The Authority was pleased to note the current and expected position on police numbers for 2002/03 and noted that the Crime Fighting Fund would not be extended beyond March, 2003.

630 MINUTES OF THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS PANEL

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Financial Affairs Panel held on 16 September, 2002 be received, and where necessary, adopted (Item 15 in the Minute Book).

Matters arising:

      (a) Minute 212 - Statutory Statement of Accounts - Year Ended 31 March, 2002

      The Chairman of the Financial Affairs Panel asked the Authority to approve the Statutory Statement of Accounts which had been the subject of detailed consideration by the Panel.

      (NB: Mrs. J. Griffin JP and Councillor D. Knowles wished their names to be recorded as abstaining from the above decision as they had not had sufficient time to consider the Statement).

      (b) Minute 214 - Formula Grant Distribution

      The Chairman of the Panel referred to recent publicity surrounding the Government's new proposals for formula grant as part of its reform of Revenue Grant Distribution. He indicated that together with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Councillor Mrs. J. Rayment, the Clerk, and the Treasurer, he would be meeting John Denham on 30 October and, prior to that, with Members of Parliament. In addition, he suggested that, at an appropriate juncture, the Authority should have a private meeting to discuss the issue.

631 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That, by virtue of Paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting.

632 TECHNICAL SERVICES UNIT - NEW ACCOMMODATION

The Authority considered a confidential report of the Chief Constable (Item 17 in the Minute Book) which set out progress to date on the relocation of the Technical Services Unit in accordance with the resolutions of the Authority at its meeting on 11 June, 2002.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

633 REVIEW OF BASIC COMMAND UNITS (BCU's) ACCOMMODATION - SOUTHAMPTON/PORTSMOUTH BCUs

The Authority considered a confidential report of the Chief Constable (Item 18 in the Minute Book) which outlined progress on defining BCU requirements and sought the approval of Members to commission Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Consultants to undertake a feasibility study in respect of the Southampton BCU given the current shortcomings of its present location at the Civic Centre.

Members noted that it was only likely to achieve new premises within the next 3-5 years through a private finance initiative with a property developer which would, initially, incur some costs in consultancy fees in order to prepare a feasibility study to determine the full implications and viability of such a project.

The report highlighted four sites which had been assessed for suitability with more detailed consideration being given to three of those sites. Investment appraisals had identified the option for purpose built accommodation at the New College site in Southampton to be the preferred option due to its location, size, availability, and capacity to incorporate custody facilities. Members noted that the Portsmouth business case was still being prepared but was also likely to be delivered through a PFI type initiative.

RESOLVED:

      (a) That progress made in the business case development for the Southampton and Portsmouth BCU's be noted.

      (b) That, in principle, the option of the Southampton and Portsmouth BCU Estate Strategy Projects being delivered through PFI schemes be endorsed.

      (c) That the appointment of PFI Consultants to examine the viability of the New College Site, Southampton be authorised.

634 FORMER NETLEY POLICE STATION PLANNING APPLICATION

The Authority considered a confidential report of the Chief Constable (Item 19 in the Minute Book) which sought the endorsement of the Authority to enable the best planning consent to be obtained in the face of representations from Eastleigh Borough Council that part of the proposed development of 5 houses at the former Netley Police Station should be restricted to key worker housing.

Members noted the background to this matter and the current position and considered the options before it having regard to the key issue of how the site should be used in order to maintain the Authority's current policy of maximising the sale of its assets.

RESOLVED:

      (a) That the Authority continues to support the principle that sales of surplus properties are at the best possible consideration and that inclusion of a key worker allocation will limit the market ability and hence the value of its assets.

      (b) That the Authority is not prepared to use its property assets for the provision of key worker housing for the service at this time in this location nor is it prepared to support a transfer to a Housing Association at nil or discounted value.

      (c) That an appeal against non determination or unreasonable planning conditions be supported if agreement cannot be reached by negotiation.

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