The Surrey Police and Crime Panel met to discuss retail crime, commissioning strategies, and budget updates, among other items. The panel requested more data be shared with community safety partnerships and working groups in the boroughs and districts, along with regular updates on the retail crime strategy's progress. The panel also asked the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to consider including annual comparisons of performance data and explicit performance targets within the data hub.

Government decision to abolish PCC roles

A recent government announcement revealed plans to abolish the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) roles, a decision that came as a surprise and has caused concern within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). The decision was not part of any manifesto commitment and has raised concerns about the future of victim support services in Surrey. The PCC, Samantha Sheriff, expressed her disappointment with the way the announcement was handled and the potential impact on her team, whose jobs are now uncertain.

Alison and I are working through what that looks like. We're speaking to colleagues around the country about, um, what we think that might look like and trying to get any information we can from the home office, from the ministry of justice around commissioning, from the treasury, um, from, um, local government department, as you will be around the challenges that everyone in local government is facing at the moment.

The panel discussed the implications of the decision, including the need for primary legislation and the potential for amendments in Parliament. Despite the uncertainty, Samantha Sheriff affirmed her commitment to ensuring a smooth handover, whether to a police board or a mayor, and to maintaining the quality of services for Surrey residents.

Retail Crime Strategy

The retail crime report was a key focus, with Councillor Borough Mike Smith commending improvements in arrest and conviction rates, but also highlighting underreporting and repeated offenses. The panel discussed how the findings of the retail crime survey would inform future priorities and actions, particularly regarding underreporting and the experiences of retail workers.

The Commissioner's office is developing a retail crime strategy to address these issues. The aim of the strategy is to improve the operational delivery of services and provide better support for retail workers. The strategy recognises the need for a sector-wide approach, addressing the challenges faced by both large national chains and smaller independent retailers.

During the police and crime plan consultation, which obviously precedes this, um, the retail crime survey, we heard repeatedly, and, and I see it just as somebody who's out and about in high streets, either, either on attachment with officers or, or sort of speaking to retailers, um, more generally that smaller independent stores are struggling, um, to afford, particularly to afford the security measures that some of those bigger, um, and that, you know, the bigger stores can afford and that prevention technology, because of course prevention is always going to be better.

The importance of accurate reporting was emphasised, as it enables the police to take targeted interventions in high-risk locations. The panel also discussed the role of technology, such as CCTV networks and digital reporting platforms, in the ongoing strategy, with a focus on ensuring equitable access for all retailers.

The panel made a recommendation that more data be shared with the community safety partnerships and working groups in the boroughs and districts, and that regular updates on the progress of the strategy be provided to the panel.

Commissioning Strategy Update

Lisa, whose last name was not provided, presented an update on the commissioning strategy, highlighting the funding streams and successes in securing additional external funding. A key achievement was the establishment of a new hub for perpetrator interventions for stalking and domestic abuse, which brings together provider interventions, survivor support, and a service supporting young people using harmful behaviours in their relationships.

The presentation included a video testimonial from a participant in the service, sharing their personal story of tackling abusive behaviour. The commissioning strategy also funds various services for victims of crime, including children affected by sexual exploitation, rape and sexual abuse support, and mediation for antisocial behaviour.

The panel discussed the challenges of meeting the increasing demand for services and ensuring sustainable funding. The short-term nature of funding allocations and the potential impact on workforce stability were also raised as concerns.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) Update

The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC), whose name was not provided, provided an update on their work, including taking on the chairmanship of the Surrey Anti-Slavery Partnership and the progress of the Forcer Protocol. The DPCC highlighted the importance of the Youth Commission and the tangible changes resulting from their recommendations, such as the relaunch of the Pegasus scheme¹ across the county.

The DPCC also discussed the establishment of a rural crime forum to address the concerns of rural communities and improve community safety. The panel requested more regular updates on the DPCC's activities.

Surrey Police Recruitment and Workforce Planning

The panel discussed the Surrey Police recruitment and workforce planning, with the Commissioner noting that concerns about meeting recruitment targets have diminished due to a stronger position and the ability to over-recruit. The panel also discussed workload challenges and the force's approach to workforce well-being.

Data Hub Report

Damien, whose last name was not provided, presented the Data Hub report, highlighting the clearer alignments of performance data with the police and crime panel priorities and the introduction of RAG ratings² for activities and initiatives. The panel discussed the absence of explicit targets for areas such as crime reduction and improvements in outcomes, and how performance is assessed in the absence of such targets.

The panel recommended that the PCC consider including annual comparisons of performance data and explicit performance targets within the data hub to strengthen accountability and facilitate more effective scrutiny.

Budget Update

Mr. Menon, whose first name and title were not provided, presented the budget update, forecasting a £2.4 million overspend by year-end, mainly due to police pay and overtime. The panel discussed actions to control spending and manage the ongoing pressure of unfunded pay rises. The organisation is exploring various measures, including reviewing budgets, managing overtime, reprofiling capital expenditure, and maximising precept³ income.

The panel raised concerns about the potential impact on service delivery and the need to balance budget pressures with maintaining progress on key objectives.

Other business

The panel also discussed the PCC's forward plan and key decisions, complaints received, and a proportionality update.