The Police, Fire and Crime Panel has decided to approve the recommendations based on the financial summary for the PFCC for Cumbria for Quarter 3 of 2024/25.

URL: https://westmorlandandfurness.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=131

Decision Maker: Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Mr S Tickner, Chief Finance Officer (s.151) / CCFRA Chief Finance Officer (s.151) introduced the report from the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) regarding the PFCC for Cumbria – Financial Summary 2024/25 Quarter 3 as at 31 December 2024.   He reported that the Office of the PFCC was £9k underspent was largely as a result of efficiency savings identified in the year (£5k), reductions in supplies and services related spend of (£2.5k) and underspends on staff pay of (£1.5k).   Other OPFCC Budgets +£7k in relation to the other OPFCC budgets, of the overspend (£85k) related to increased capital financing MRP costs, reduced Grants (£29k) relating to the PFI grant, increased insurances (£13k) following renewal, offset to a degree by reduced estates utility costs (£53k) and increased interest / investment income (£67k).   In relation to funding provided to the Constabulary there was an underspend of £394k. The forecasted underspend of £394k was largely as a result of increased income of £571k, offset to a degree by increased expenditure of £177k.   Regarding PCSO pay there was an underspend of £132k which was mainly due to the number of vacancies forecasted over the year.   Transport Related Expenditure had increased by £283k which was largely due to increased vehicle repairs and maintenance costs of £299k which included £134k accident damage.   Income had increased by £571k largely due to insurance income of £152k, vehicle recovery income of £87k, Op Cobb income of £84k and £49k income from sale of vehicles.   The current forecast included police uplift ringfenced grant of £3.6m, that was contingent on achieving a 1,385 headcount by 30 September 2024 and 31 March 2025, and additional ‘target 2’ grant of £384k contingent on achieving 1,393 headcount by both dates. He commented that the PFCC/Constabulary would suffer a reduction in grant if these targets were not met. The headcount target had been met for 30 September checkpoint date and the associated grant returns had been submitted.   Cllr Battye asked what progress had been made with recruitment of PCSOs.   David Allen the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner commented that the reason why there had been vacancies as there had been considerable pressure from other Constabularies had been recruiting heavily and Cumbria had lost staff. All polices forces in the country were recruiting police constables and that had affected recruitment of PCSOs.  He reported that the Neighbourhood Policing Grant would allow recruitment of police constables and PCSOs which would be ring fenced for Neighbourhood Policing.  An additional 12 PCSOs would be recruited across the county.   He commented that a recruitment event had been held on 2 April 2025 where over 200 people attended.   Cllr Battye asked whether there would be any apprenticeship posts.   David Allen the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner confirmed that the Constabulary were actively looking at apprenticeships.   RESOLVED,To receive the PFCC for Cumbria Financial Summary 2024/25 Quarter 3 as at 31 December 2024.

Date of Decision: April 4, 2025