Author and Job Role Kelvin Menon – Chief Finance Officer
Protective Marking: OFFICIAL
Executive Summary:
To agree the Policies, as recommended by NPCC, for charges for Police Services to 3rd parties and also rates for Mutual Aid
Background
The ability to charge for police services is generally determined by statutory provisions. This guidance covers four main areas:
- The provision of Special Police Services at the request of any person under Section 25 of the Police Act 1996 (as amended) which makes such services subject to payment of charges as determined by the PCC. Special police services generally relate to policing an event, e.g., a pop concert, or series of events, e.g., football matches.
- Section 26 of the 1996 Act applies similar requirements to the provision of police services above but applies where they are delivered overseas.
- Section 15 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 extends to PCCs the powers of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 to supply goods and services to other bodies or persons. This may include services provided in competition with other providers, e.g., training or vehicle maintenance, where charges will reflect market rates, or services as a by-product of core police activity such as provision of collision reports.
- The provision of police services to other agencies such as the Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) or H.M Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
The charges have been determined by the NPCC based on an analysis of costs to provide these services so as to ensure that the public are fully reimbursed for any services provided. This has recently been updated to take account of the 2023/24 pay increase.
Recommendation
To approve the following:
Police and Crime Commissioner Approval
I approve the recommendation(s):
Signature: Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend (wet signed copy held in OPCC)
Date: 23/11/2023
All decisions must be added to the decision register.
Areas of consideration
Consultation
None
Financial implications
The NPCC has ensures that any charges levied cover all the costs of supplying the service thereby not disadvantaging the public purse. It also ensures that all charges charge the same rather than competing with each other.
Legal
The ability for Forces to charge is set out in statute as explained above
Risks
If the Policy is not approved it could be that charges may not be legal
Equality and diversity
None.
Risks to human rights
None