Agenda item

Cabinet:

Approved the MOPAC Partnership Plus scheme for additional Police officers within Havering and the funding requirements to support the scheme for three years from 2019/20.

Councillor Viddy Persaud presented the MOPAC Partnership Plus Scheme for s 92 Police Officers, to Cabinet.

The Metropolitan Police launched a new PartnershipPlus Scheme in February 2019 in order to support safer neighbourhoods within London Boroughs. The MOPAC PartnershipPlus Scheme for the London Boroughs must be discussed and considered with the Borough Commander as was previously required, and has already been discussed with the East Borough Command Unit (BCU) Commander who is completely supportive of the proposed scheme for Havering. 

However, the proposed new scheme is different than the previous scheme (i.e. buy-one-get-one-free basis) in that it now requires the funding of all Police posts involved.

The new scheme will allow local authorities to purchase police officers at a reduced rate of £57,000 per police constable, £70,500 per sergeant and £86,000 per inspector. It represents a discount of over 21% of the full cost of a police constable. There are approximately 10 Public Order High Demand Days per annum, when these police officers will be required elsewhere. The above costs have made provision for these expected abstractions and are incorporated within the rates.

The minimum term for PartnershipPlus Scheme agreement is three years, albeit either party may terminate the agreement with six months’ notice for any reason within the term. The process for securing these posts is similar to the previous arrangements with a receipt of a Letter of Intent from the London Borough, confirmation of availability of the additional officers and Deputy Assistant Commissioner's approval. Discussions with both the Borough Commander and MOPAC lead should Havering wish to precede this will be undertaken. Attached at Appendix 1 to the report is a letter to the Council explaining the proposed scheme.

There is the opportunity to explore additional funding to support the scheme locally engaging with other partners including the Business Improvement Districts within Havering.

This represents an additional resource which will focus on issues of particular importance to Havering residents demonstrating a real commitment to tackle the crime in the Borough.

Following discussion,

Cabinet:

Approved the MOPAC Partnership Plus scheme for additional Police officers within Havering and the funding requirements to support the scheme for three years from 2019/20.