To recommend the establishment of a Police and Crime Panel (PCP) to Council.

THAT:

(a)  Cabinet recommends to Council on 25 May 2012 the establishment of a West Mercia Police and Crime Panel (PCP) as a joint committee of the 10 principal local authorities in the West Mercia police force area, to be administered by Worcestershire County Council as lead authority;

(b)  Cabinet noted that the Council on 25 May 2012 be requested to approve the proposed membership of the PCP, the Panel arrangements and any consequential actions required under the Act; and

(c)  Cabinet authorised the Deputy Chief Executive to finalise the details of the proposals in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

A Police and Crime Panel has by law to be established for the West Mercia police force area. 

Cabinet could put forward alternative proposals.  However, this would require further negotiations to take place with the other authorities in the West Mercia police force area.  Should there be a failure to reach an agreement, the Secretary of State could invoke backstop powers to allow the Home Office to step in and appoint the PCP.