Issue - meetings

The Board received a short presentation from representatives from the Mayor of London’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), formerly the Metropolitan Police Authority area. Key functions included oversight of the MPS and holding the Police Commissioner to account, with broad powers over commissioning services and assigning budgets. MOPAC was currently focused on a ’20:20:20’ change programme with the objectives of realising a reduction in neighbourhood crime whilst overseeing a reduction in funding and increasing confidence. MOPAC had responsibility for producing a Police and Crime Plan which was currently in draft format, with formal consultation starting in December.

MOPAC’s wider role in London’s criminal justice landscape in relation to commissioning responsibilities was outlined. Government funding would be allocated to MOPAC to support its objectives including developing a strategic response to crime prevention, funding for which statutory authorities could bid against. It was advised that one community safety fund had been allocated for 2013/14 for prevention and reducing re-offending objectives. Boroughs would need to submit clear business cases to bid for this funding and be required to demonstrate the achievement of clear outcomes against MOPAC priorities. Considerable uncertainty remained about the funding process in light of delays in confirmation of the funding details from the Home Office. The Board expressed serious concern about the lack of guidance available for commissioning bodies with regards to bidding including details of timescales, the level of funding available and the process for making bids. Clarification on the above matters was requested from MOPAC as a matter of urgency in recognition that the likely timeframes were challenging in the extreme.  

The Board also expressed concern over the 20:20:20 change programme and requested details on how the required savings would be apportioned across London, the timescales imposed and the underpinning baseline data. The funding implications associated with MOPAC’s stated commitment to roll out an extra three police officers and at least three special constables in every safer neighbourhood team in London was also questioned, particularly in the context of the need to realise savings.

Questions were raised about MOPAC’s intention to devolve victim commissioning to local levels, with a potential £20m of funding for commissioning. Clarification was requested on where this money would be sourced and how the funding would be broken down.

The Board requested sight of the borough profiles being developed by MOPAC as well as the local authority question and answer document drafted following discussions with other boroughs.

RESOLVED

·        That a representative from MOPAC be invited to the next meeting to provide feedback on the questions raised by the Board as listed above.