Minutes:
1. The Commissioner introduced her proposed precept, it had been a very busy few months with a number of announcements and there was still some uncertainty, for example around the funding formula. Kent was a unique county with different policing pressures, there had been no increase in cash terms and would be no increase in the next 4 years. There was an assumption that every PCC would increase the council tax precept to the maximum allowed. Since Kent had the third lowest precept, there was an opportunity to increase the council tax by £5 per household (average).
2. The county had to be able to respond in an emergency, the additional money from the precept would pay for additional firearms capacity; this did not mean an armed police force but would give the Force the capacity to effectively respond.
3. The Commissioner explained that a consultation had been run with one question: “will your family pay £5 extra to increase public safety? Yes/No”. In total, 895 online responses were received and the outcome was as follows: Yes: 53.2%, No: 46.8%. Together with face to face discussions with residents the majority agreed with the proposal to increase the council tax precept by £5.
4. Mr Nolan explained that the settlement from the Government was better than feared, particularly in light of the reduction in funding for local authorities. There was a savings gap of £33million over the next 4 years which was a 12% real cut on the net budget over the period which had to be managed. The reserves held were vital and meant that the Force did not have to borrow for investment. At 31 March 2016, total earmarked and non-earmarked reserves were expected to fall to £56.8million. There was an intention to release £44million over the four years to 2019/20 for major transformational investment in mobile and other innovations as well as ensuring proper facilities and equipment for the Force.
5. Some questions were raised about how the savings would be made without affecting the front line workforce. Mr Nolan explained that the £8.7million savings required for next year had already been identified and due to effective planning by the Chief Constable will not involve any impact on frontline policing. For the remaining three years, the Chief Constable’s aim remains to limit the impact on frontline policing as far as possible, and only take savings form this area as a last resort.
6. The Panel considered that an increase to the council tax precept of £5 was reasonable, however a concern was raised about the future use of reserves and that the Home Secretary should be made aware of planned use.
7. The Commissioner confirmed that she frequently lobbied the Government over such issues, including recouping the money spent on operation Stack in previous months.
8. A Member asked whether there was any capacity to make savings from vacancy rates, although this was not considered good practice. There was a suggestion that the Force look at its fuel bill due to the recent decrease in fuel prices as well as a suggestion that the Force look at its assets with a view to selling where appropriate. Mr Nolan explained that there was a constant review of the Force’s estate, with planning for future and targeted opportunities. The Commissioner praised the Kent Community Safety Partnership; it was invaluable for sharing best practice and ensuring close working between partners in Kent.
9. The Commissioner summed up this item by explaining that Kent had received a ‘good’ rating for financial management and an ‘outstanding’ rating for financial planning. Thanks were offered to Mr Nolan who had done an excellent job.
10. The Chairman offered his support for the £5 increase in council tax precept. He also considered that the Government were aware of the levels of reserves and advised caution against retaining high levels. Congratulations were offered on the financial ratings received by Kent Police.
RESOLVED that the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel approve the proposed precept for 2016.