Former SPA Chair, David Crichton joined SPA Interim Chief Executive, Lynn Brown and SPA Chair, Martyn Evans at the PAPLS session on 11 February as the committee considered Audit Scotland's Section 22 report on the SPA's 2019-20 Annual Report and Accounts.

In his opening statement, David welcomed the Section 22 report as a measured and constructive assessment. He particularly welcomed the emphasis on the progress that the Authority continues to make in financial planning and financial management and acknowledged the excellent work of Police Scotland’s finance function. 

The Auditor General's report acknowledges the greater stability in the leadership of the Authority and improvement in the Authority’s own governance arrangements and organisational capacity.

The report also stresses that it is for the Authority, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to collectively find a sustainable solution to that deficit – it is not something that could be fixed by the Authority acting alone.

David welcomed, therefore, that the Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2021-22 includes an additional £60m of revenue funding for the Authority. This will enable the service to enter 2021-22 on a financially sustainable footing.

David closed his opening statement by commending the Police Service of Scotland for its continued strength, professionalism and compassion and the remarkable contribution it has made and continues to make to protecting the safety and health of all our citizens during this pandemic. He also thanked colleagues on the Board and all staff in the Authority for their resilience, adaptability and unwavering support during his time in office.

You can watch a recording of the full session on Parliament TV.

Article initially published on 11 February 2021.