Written Evidence Submitted to the Richard Commission - Dyfed Powys Police |
| 4th March 2003 |
| The Richard Commission Caradog House 1-6 St Andrews Place Cardiff CF10 3BE |
| Dear Sirs |
| I am writing to express the consensus views of the Members of Dyfed Powys Police Authority in relation to the suggestion made by some that the responsibilities of the Government in relation to policing in Wales should be devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government. |
| There are a number of ways in which the issue may be addressed, one being the general policy issue and the other the more pragmatic issue for Dyfed Powys, namely whether as a Police Authority there would be advantages in devolution which would assist it to better perform its functions. |
| This response is largely pragmatic, identifying issues which in practical terms may advantageously or adversely affect my Authority. |
| My Authority is impressed by the manner in which the Assembly Government has addressed its responsibilities in relation to Community Safety and recognises that these issues are closely related to the general policing function. There may also be advantages in seeing the development of a Welsh policing policy focussing on the particular issues affecting Wales. My Authority considers that the current national policing policy may be too focussed on providing recources to the large conurbations and thus undervaluing the demands of rural areas. Furthermore, as the Dyfed Powys Force has one of the best performance figures in England and Wales, Authority Members consider that the current grant formula does not sufficiently reward good performance. Another advantage which could devolve would be the provision of all grant aid from one source which might avoid some of the difficulties which Welsh Police Authorities experienced this year in relation to delayed announcements of grant aid due to the late agreement of figures between the Assembly Government and the Home Office. |
| However, in view of the introduction of a National Policing Plan and an emphasis on national standards, training and staff competences, my Authority is concerned how a devolution of powers could work so as to avoid fragmenting national policy whilst still recognising the particular needs of Welsh Forces. The Authority Members also recognise the complexity of the national police grant system and are concerned that it may run the risk of an adverse grant settlement bearing in mind the socio-economic makeup of Wales. |
| To conclude, the Authority Members, whilst fully supportive of the Welsh Assembly Government and the start it has made, consider that it is not possible at this time to take a definitive view as to devolution. Whilst a close working relationship with the Assembly Government is welcomed, time is needed to consider issues such as those referred to above. |
| Yours faithfully |
| K B Reeves Clerk to the Dyfed Powys Police Authority |
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