Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Promoting a culture of transparency and attention to detail should be a priority for both...
Recommendation
Promoting a culture of transparency and attention to detail should be a priority for both the Acting Chief Constable and next permanent Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to address. (Recommendation, Paragraph 25) 22 The role of the Safety Advisory Group
Government Response Summary
Local authorities already have the discretion to determine Safety Advisory Group composition, and the UK Resilience Academy review of Safety Advisory Group guidance will set out its position on political involvement.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Safety Advisory Groups are long-established, multi-agency forums that provide expert advice to local authorities and event organisers on public safety matters. Their effectiveness relies on preserving the integrity of professional judgement and maintaining confidence that advice is provided free from political influence. There are very few instances of elected politicians sitting on Safety Advisory Groups. Safety Advisory Groups are not statutory bodies and do not have decision-making powers. Responsibility for licensing and enforcing safety at sports grounds remains with local authorities under the existing legislative framework. Nonetheless, we recognise the Committee’s concern that the involvement of elected politicians risks creating a perception of undue influence. The Government agrees that the membership of Safety Advisory Groups should continue to be grounded in operational, regulatory and technical expertise. Local authorities already have the discretion to determine Safety Advisory Group composition. This recommendation aligns with work already underway. The UK Resilience Academy review of Safety Advisory Group guidance is examining Safety Advisory Groups’ remit, governance and decision-making processes. The new Guidance will set out its position on political involvement given the expectation of impartiality of SAG members.