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 determined by statutory provisions. This guidance covers four principal 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 is fully reimbursed for any services provided. They take account of any changes, such as pay increases, and will apply from the 1st April 2024 until superseded.
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 at PCC office)
Date: 19 February 2024
All decisions must be added to the decision register.
Areas of consideration
Consultation
All Forces have been consulted on the charges via the NPCC and APCC.
Financial implications
The NPCC guidelines ensure that any charges levied cover the all the costs of supplying the service thereby not disadvantaging the public purse. It also ensures that all Forces charge the same rate rather than competing with each other.
Legal
The ability of Forces to charge is set out in statute as explained above, Forces can only make a charge to cover the recovery of costs. They are not permitted to make a profit – even if this is used to provide better services for the public.
Risks
If the policy is not approved then it would not be possible to levy any charges until a policy is in place
Equality and diversity
None
Risks to human rights
None