To approve the establishment of a Police and Crime Panel (PCP).

Council was reminded by the Assistant Director Law, Governance and Resilience that all authorities needed to agree the same recommendations to ensure the establishment of a West Mercia Police and Crime Panel as a joint committee of the 10 principal local authorities, to be administered by the lead authority Worcestershire County Council.

Councillor Hubbard noted the complications to moving any amendments to the recommendations but asked that consideration be given to one of Herefordshire’s panel members being a city Member, given that many of the policing issues arose in the City.  Concern was raised at the potential poor turn out for a November election for the Police Commissioner and whether the responsibility for policing matters should lie with the Chief Constable.  The Leader moved the report which was seconded by Councillor Price.  There was a majority agreement for the recommendations with nine abstentions.

RESOLVED

              THAT:

a)    Council approved 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)    Council approved the proposed membership of the PCP, the Panel arrangements and any consequential actions required under the Act; and

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