Agenda item

Revenue and Capital Budgets 2017/18 and Revenue and Capital Budgets 2016/17:

Report of the Chief Finance Officer, Office of the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner.

Minutes:

The Panel considered a report of the PCVC Chief Finance Officer which provided details of the proposed revenue budget and policing precept for 2017/18, the proposed capital budget for 2017/18, the revised revenue and capital budgets for 2016/17 and the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves (for copy see file of Minutes).

 

Councillor Allen thanked the Chief Finance Officer for the report which contained a high level of detail and information.

 

Councillor Brookes expressed concern that Durham force could become a victim of its own success.  The Police Minister held the Durham force in high esteem and there was a danger that a view may be formed that Durham could cope with funding/budget cuts.  Councillor Brookes asked whether the force sold any services as a source of income generation.

 

The Chief Finance Officer replied that he was pleased that Durham force had been assessed as outstanding for 3 years in a row and efficient for 2 years in a row.  However, when a force was seen as being efficient there could be a thought that more efficiencies could be made, with the Government always thinking more cuts could be made.  The Durham force was now starting to see an increase in sickness levels in police officers, some of which was stress-related illness.

 

Mr Dodwell referred to the forthcoming election of a mayor for the Tees Valley area, which included Darlington and asked whether this would have any impact on the police budget.  The Chief of Staff replied that there would be no impact on the budget.

 

Councillor Jones referred to the number of Band A properties in the force area which had an impact on Council Tax revenue and asked whether any progress had been made regarding representations on this issue.  The PCVC replied that he had met with the Brandon Lewis, Police Minister who understood this and added that the government was taking into account the ability of a force to raise money locally when considering police funding.

 

Councillor Armstrong referred to top slicing of funding.  The Chief Finance Officer replied top slicing of funding for the Police Transformation Fund took place and forces then had to make bids to the Fund.  The PCVC added that the Transformation Fund had increased by 43% this year.  Councillor Armstrong suggested that the top slicing of funding by central government should be publicised to raise awareness.

 

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Supporting documents: