Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Durham County Council regarding membership of the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels (for copy see file of Minutes).

J Slee, Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Durham County Council informed the Panel that the role of the National Association was to identify and promote best practice and provide a collective voice for Panels.  The Association had recently removed the requirement for members to pay a membership fee.

Councillor Boyes was supportive of joining the Association as a means of sharing best practice and perhaps learning from the work of other Panels and questioned what the finance arrangements may be for reimbursement of Members attending Association events.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer replied that expenses were currently borne by Members host authorities, however, clarity would need to be obtained on expenses of the Independent Co-opted Members.

Resolved:

That the Chair of the Durham Police and Crime Panel advise the Chair of the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels that Durham Panel wish to join the Association.