Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that, subject to amending the attendance to show Cllr Rhodes was present at the 4^th November 2014 meeting, the Panel agree that the minutes of the 4^th November 2014 meeting were a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

1.            The Commissioner introduced her draft Police and Crime Plan, explaining that it was a high level strategic document that outlined key spending plans.  The Force maintains the relevant delivery plans that will be used to implement the strategic outcomes.  The Plan represented a refresh of previous years’ versions, the significant alterations being the additional measures taken to respond to reviewed priorities.  The Commissioner commented that this annual refresh approach was useful as it kept the stability of maintaining key priorities but allowed the flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.  The Plan had been developed through wide consultation, including public engagement, social media, a Policing in Kent conference, and discussions with District, Town and Parish councils.  Throughout the consultation, visible community policing remained a key priority.

2.            The Commissioner outlined some of the key points of the refreshed plan;

·         £200k additional funding per annum for the next three years being provided to the Chief Constable expressly for improving police and partner agency work on dealing with Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

·         Victim Services are now being commissioned by the Commissioner.  The development of the Victim Centre and the associated multi-agency working agreements represent a good opportunity to improve victim experiences and place them at the heart of policing.

·         Increased support for challenging the use of legal highs and the promotion of e-safety.

·         Increased emphasis on the key role of partnership working to address the varied issues impacting on young people.

3.            The Panel noted the extent of the Commissioner’s consultation on the draft Plan and precept and asked about the level of response to consultation. The Commissioner explained that the response to formal consultation had been low but that informal consultation (for example at public meetings) had shown strong support for increasing precept.

4.            The Commissioner explained that she sought approval for an increase in the police precept of 1.99%, which would enable the Force to retain 30 officers who would otherwise be lost due to grant reductions. The Panel noted the Commissioner’s comment that the police precept in Kent was still well below the national average and that, even with her proposed precept increase, the Force would have to lose 53 officers during 2015/16.  In total, the Force would be losing 115 jobs, including 62 civilian police staff. The Commissioner explained that medium term financial planning was being conducted on the basis that the Force budget would need to be reduced by a further £60m by 2019 and that this was based on reasonable rather than worst case scenario assumptions.

5.            The Panel expressed support for the work of the Youth Commissioner and asked the Commissioner what her plans were for continuation of this work once the Youth Commissioner completed her contract. Panel members were advised that work had been commissioned to consider how to continue to engage with young people who, in the Commissioner’s view, did not engage with Councils. Panel members drew attention to existing channels of communication with young people and reminded the Commissioner of her commitment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the Commissioner’s decisions.

RESOLVED that the Panel approve the Panel Annual Report.

RESOLVED that the Panel require the Commissioner to bring an update in relation to an increase in Violent Crime to the next Panel meeting.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the notes of the Commissioner’s Governance Board meeting.