Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner which presented the revenue and capital budgets for 2022/23 (for copy of report see file of Minutes).

The Chief Finance Officer updated the Panel since the consideration of the precept, noting increases in Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), with 30 Police Officers starting in March, with a further 32 in June.  He noted the training process, with 18 weeks in the classroom, 12 weeks working alongside another Constable, then the Officer being able to patrol independently.  He explained as regards work in terms of recruiting more Detectives and added as regards PCSO recruitment, with 15-20 to start in April.  He added as regards 8-10 additional call handlers and new switchboard technology to improve performance.  The Panel learned as regards new body-worn devices, of a higher quality, and 60 new vehicles, noting a usual turnaround of 60-80 vehicles per year.  The Chief Finance Officer noted challenges in terms of inflation, fuel prices, insurance increases, increasing energy bills, and increased demand especially in areas such as fraud.  He explained that recruitment was a challenge, adding that colleagues in other areas of the public sector were experiencing similar issues.

The Chair asked as regards the benefits of recruiting those with a degree.  The Chief Finance Officer noted that if an Officer required it, the Force would put them through a degree course, adding that there were increasing demands on Officers in areas such as safeguarding and cyber.  He noted the national review, to which Durham had responded, and added it was too early to say in terms of benefits.  The Chair noted that he felt a degree in ‘common sense’ was important.  The Chief Finance Officer noted that qualities that were important included work ethic, communication skills, resilience and de-escalating skills.

Councillor D Boyes noted he welcomed the additional Officers adding they would go a long way in respect of public confidence, especially following the two years of the pandemic.  The Chief Finance Officer noted that in terms of visibility, new shift patterns would mean there would be more Officers on ‘nightshift’ than before.

Councillor R Potts noted moving from £101 million in 2022/21 to £106 million for 2022/23 and asked if there would only be £2 million from Government in the next few years up to 2024/25.  The Chief Finance Officer noted that was correct.  Councillor R Potts noted page 33 of the agenda pack gave estimates in terms of total reserves and noted the Band D increase of £10 in terms of the precept.  He noted a 36 percent increase in the last 4-5 years, with 4 percent for the next 2 years.  The Chief Finance Officer noted the increase the PCC had introduced for this year, to be looked at in future years in terms of wanting to maintain or improve services.  Councillor R Potts noted that Town and Parish Councils had not increased their precepts by the maximum amounts and noted that page 34 of the agenda pack referred to cost control which he felt was more important than ever, given the loss of 400 Police Officers since ‘austerity’.  He added that in April 2000 there had been six custody suites, 590 civilian staff and offices had been open longer hours, with around 11 percent of calls being abandoned.  Councillor R Potts added that there were now only three custody suites and around 1,261 civilian staff, an increase of 671 since 2000, noting people wanted more Police on the ground, not more civilian staff. 

The Chief Finance Officer noted that in 2009 there had been around 1,200 civilian staff, noting around 200 were lost in 2010.  He noted that in terms of Officers lost, some roles had become civilian roles and explained that the number of control rooms had gone from six to one, without a reduction in staff.  He added that there were 100 Criminal Justice Unit workers, adding it was more efficient to have civilian staff in those roles, noting Durham had an above average intelligence section.  The Chief Finance Officer noted Durham had 146 PCSOs, if average the figure would have been around 90.  He added that in terms of cost control, procurement were constantly looking for the best deals, however that was becoming increasingly more difficult.  He added other areas being looked at included income generation and helping to reduce sickness absence, including in areas such as mental health.  He added that there was a balance in terms of pushing the Force forwards in terms of improvements and also investing in senior leadership.  

Councillor R Potts noted that HMICFRS had not been complimentary in recent inspections.  The PCC reiterated the HMICFRS had noted two areas as being ‘outstanding’, namely value for money and tackling organised crime.  Councillor R Potts noted that one was four times more likely to be a repeat victim of domestic violence in Durham and the HMICFRS had also noted that issues relating to CSE had not been dealt with very well. 

In response to a question from Councillor J Dulston relating to Neighbourhood Policing and the increasing of the executive team, the Chief Finance Officer noted that he did not feel that Neighbourhood Policing was not ‘on its knees’ and noted the Chief of Staff role focussed on policing, while his role focussed on finance and the estate.

Councillor J Dulston noted the results from inspection and asked how that warranted non-uniform positions, adding he felt Chief Finance Officer was doing a great job.  The Chief Finance Officer noted he was not part of recruitment process, adding he felt the Chief Constable wanted people who understood the roles and had focus.  Councillor J Dulston asked if the Force was against direct entry to Inspector roles.  The Chief Finance Officer noted there were 11 Superintendent positions and noted the risk of bringing in new, non-police, to such a role, with one out of eleven representing nine percent.  He noted that the Force’s Chief Inspectors were excellent, worthy of promotion.

Councillor D Nicholls noted he had been 4 years old in 2000 and noted there had been many changes since that time and therefore one should be careful in making comparisons.  He noted that the nature of crime had changed, noting the rise of cybercrime, and added that therefore it was important to understand not just the numbers but how residents were affected, noting fraud as an example when demand was increasing.  He noted that one would not see those Officers working on such cases, and added that in cases relating to CSE, a lot of the work related to online and computers, another area where you would not see Officers directly on the street.  Councillor D Boyes accepted the comments from Councillor D Nicholls, however, he reminded the Panel that it was incumbent on the Panel to challenge the PCC.  He noted he welcomed the additional Officers, adding it was also good to have well qualified Officers.  He added that he would give credit where it was due, but noted the challenges faced, notwithstanding budget cuts.  Councillor D Nicholls noted as regards a visit to see the civilian side of policing, with the Chief Finance Officer noting an invite to visit the Meadowfield Training Centre to speak to staff and see the technology.  The Lawyer (Governance) noted that session had been planned pre-COVID and added that post-May, a session for the full Panel could be arranged.  Councillor D Nicholls noted he felt that would be useful.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.