West Mercia Police Authority Performs Well
West Mercia Police Authority have been given a clean bill of health following an independent Inspection by the Audit Commission acting jointly with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
West Mercia Police Authority have been given a clean bill of health following an independent Inspection by the Audit Commission acting jointly with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
The report has given the Authority an overall grading of three which equates to 'performs well'. To date some 18 authorities have been given gradings and only six (including West Mercia) have been awarded grade 3. No authority has received a higher grading.
West Mercia Police Authority is a body of local people, half of whom are Councillors, which sets local policing priorities and oversees police performance and the efficient use of the £200m per annum police budget.
The overall grading of 3 reflected particularly strong performance in setting strategic direction and achieving good value for money.
Sheila Blagg, Chairman of the Police Authority, said " I am delighted with the overall grading which reflects the excellent work done by the Police Authority's members and its officers on behalf of the public. I draw particular satisfaction from the finding that we are recognised as performing well in achieving value for money and our oversight of police spending."
The report does contain some suggestions for further improvement and these will now be studied by the Authority. However any proposals will have to be considered carefully in the context of the current severe financial climate and the Authority's drive to reduce bureaucracy not increase it.
The breadth and depth of Police Authority scrutiny may soon pass to directly elected commissioners if Government proposals are implemented.
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