A spot check inspection of Border Force operations at Portsmouth International Port (29 August 2023)

Review resourcing processes at Border Force South Central to ensure consistent deployment to all operational priorities within the region, such as port-based anti-smuggling checks at Portsmouth.

Home Office rejected: Border Force South Central Command already has a mature cross command resourcing process in place. This ensures the flexible deployment of regional mobile and port resources across the region, as appropriate, to meet all operational priorities. South Central Command also has a dedicated customs team that work a standalone shift pattern. The team are deployed across South Central Command specifically to target high risk arrivals for anti-smuggling purposes.

Provide clarity to port operators on what statutory facilities they are required to provide to Border Force without cost and what Border Force must pay for.

Partially accepted: The Border Force National Frontier Approvals Unit (NFAU) manage this function nationally for Border Force. The statutory facilities that port operators are required to provide to Border Force are agreed as part of the approval of their application to provide this service. Where there is any ambiguity, Border Force local managers alongside the NFAU will clarify the requirements and take this forward with the port operators. There is a good working relationship between Border Force and the Portsmouth Port Operator. Where matters arise, these are, and will continue to be, considered as part of business as usual.

Implementation: In place and ongoing

Work with the port operator to improve facilities at the car lane PCP booths, including:

Home Office accepted: We accept the facilities at Portsmouth International Port are not at the required standard, however the timescale for improvements is not within the means of the Home Office to dictate as these are the responsibility of the port operator. Border Force are however working closely with the port operator to address the issues with the current facilities. The port operator has already implemented an enhanced cleaning regime to address some of the issues associated with pest control in the car hall with improved lighting to follow. The overall quality of the PCP car booths will be taken forward as part of the port’s redevelopment plan. There is a very good working relationship between Border Force and the Portsmouth Port Operator which will help to improve facilities.