SiteAlias

 

 

 

“No background detail of any of the forces is provided.  For example, South Wales is the eight biggest force out of the 43 in Wales and England.  We have 19 members, not the average 17.  Our work covers seven large local authorities, a capital city, 1.2million people and working with two different Governments; one at Westminster and the other at Cardiff.

 

“Despite this, the total budget for South Wales Police Authority is the fifth lowest in the country – and is equal to just 0.33% of the overall police budget. 

 

“A lot has been made within the report about Chief Executive salary and pension.  I will not deny that the salary is substantial, but so are the role and responsibilities of the position. 

 

“What is unfair, however, is the criticism of the remuneration being 13% of the budget.  As already said, our budget spend, which is the important factor, is one of the smallest in the country, so the percentage of the budget will be greater than others.  To put it into context, there are 20 other Chief Executives who are paid more than the South Wales postholder.

 

“There are also 22 other Police Authorities who have more staff than us. 

 

“Instead of criticising Police Authorities, this report should be used to praise the amount of work being carried out on such a small amount of budget.”

 

Chief Executive of the Police Authority, Alan Fry, said: “The Taxpayers Alliance criticises Police Authorities being “high cost” and “unaccountable”.  Within South Wales, we have the fifth lowest budget in Wales and England – equal to just 0.33% of the overall police budget.  In addition, instead of being invisible, surveys conducted independently have found that 96% of the public here are aware of the Police Authority.

 

“No system is perfect, but what of the alternative.  The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners next November will cost £100million for the elections alone – money which could have provided many additional officers on our streets.

 

“It appears to have been ignored that the pay of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC)  themselves will be significant – up to £100,000.  This does not include the pay for a Deputy PCC, which is also likely to be appointed.  The new system also creates an extra layer of bureaucracy with a Police and Crime Panel, made up of at least 12 members, with additional costs for their allowances and administration.

 

“What is worrying is that there appears to be no public appetite for the changes, and a serious lack of awareness of their introduction.  The report suggests that the new system will make the police more accountable.  Will this really happen?  The lack of awareness, coupled with possible single issue candidates, voter apathy and likely low election turn out on a cold, wet November day.  It is questionable that this will really increase democratic accountability; but a certainty that the police service will be politicised.

 

“Anyone who thinks this is going to be a cheaper system is living in cloud cuckoo land.”