PCC Vera Baird’s response to Home Affairs Select Committee report
22nd November 2016
Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC, has commented on the government’s response to the Home Affairs Committee document “Police & Crime Commissioners: Here to stay” which was published today.
In March 2016, the Home Affairs Select Committee published a report entitled “Police & Crime Commissioners: Here to stay” the report covered a number of areas ranging from police funding to police and crime panels. The report also made a number of recommendations – the main one being the problem with government determining a new police funding formula. It urged immediate consultation with PCCs and forces, on the basis of delivering clear and properly calculated proposals so that a new funding formula can be introduced without further damaging delay.
The Government have today responded to this and other points raised in the Committees report. Throughout the report it recognises the positive work of Police & Crime Commissioners. The response also mentions that reforming the police funding formula remains the government’s ambition and they are in dialogue with partners.
Mrs Baird said “I’m pleased that the government has recognised the positive contribution that PCCs have made to policing and that they see the role of PCCs increasing much further locally.
Mrs Baird added “The government needs to get the police funding formula right, it needs to be open and transparent and the Home Secretary must recognise the diverse communities of Northumbria and the funding package must be fit for purpose”
As Police & Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Vera Baird will continue to engage with local communities to ensure Northumbria Police continue to address the needs of local residents. Vera Baird said “Here in our region we are leading the way in many of the recommendations of the report, we have changed the complaints system which is what the government are now using as a model for all police forces in England and Wales, we continue to be open and transparent by providing information on our website. Police & Crime Commissioners are here to speak up for local communities and that is what I will continue to do”
Connect with us on:
