Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
We previously found that poor cooperation between the Department and police forces has contributed to...
Recommendation
We previously found that poor cooperation between the Department and police forces has contributed to a failure to achieve value-for-money for taxpayers. In our December 2021 report into the National Law Enforcement Data Service, we concluded that working effectively with the police was critical to the delivery of NLEDS and other technology programmes. But we were concerned that it was not yet clear that the Department’s new approach would resolve longstanding challenges in delivering national programmes for local forces. As part of our report, we found that the Department had failed to establish a joint vision with police until two years into the programme. As costs increased and the programme failed to deliver any meaningful capability in its first four years, police users lost confidence in the Home Office’s ability to deliver NLEDS and other technology programmes.25
Government Response Summary
The Department and the NPCC will identify and pursue other opportunities for standardisation across policing (for example procurement and IT), led by a review of operational productivity, with findings expected in Spring 2023 and a final report within 12 months; the Home Office is also working with various entities to identify further efficiencies and coordination across procurement and to understand different operating models for corporate functions.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2. PAC conclusion: The Programme has demonstrated the value of standardising recruitment practices across police forces 2. PAC recommendation: The Department and the NPCC should identify and pursue other opportunities for standardisation across policing (for example procurement and IT) to achieve better value for money while respecting operational autonomy. It should outline in its Treasury Minute response which other areas of policing have the potential to benefit from a more joined up approach across forces, and how and by when this could be achieved. 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2023 2.2 The Home Secretary has asked the National Police Chiefs’ Council to lead a review of operational productivity in policing. This review will improve the department’s understanding of effectiveness and productivity in policing, identifying the barriers and the most efficient operating models. 2.3 The review will also look at the scope for using new technology or streamlining processes and removing bureaucracy to drive efficiency and better outcomes. 2.4 The review will be led by Sir Stephen House, supported by an advisory board including Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the chief executive of the College of Policing and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC). Terms of reference will be published in due course, following agreement by the advisory board and Home Office. It is expected to report within 12 months and with interim findings in spring 2023. 2.5 The Home Office is working with BlueLight Commercial Ltd, the Police Digital Service, and Forensic Capabilities Network to identify further opportunities for efficiencies and coordination across procurement. 2.6 BlueLight Commercial are also working with the department to understand the different operating models used to provide corporate functions such as HR and finance across police forces, and the associated costs. A final report is due to be delivered to the Efficiency in Policing Board by the end of 2022, aiming to share good practice and identify opportunities for shared services and other collaboration across the sector.