SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY BUDGET 2024-25

Members considered the report which presented the proposed 2024-25 revenue, capital and reform budgets. JGray commented that the budget was lower risk compared to 23/24, in terms of delivery, and whilst there was an increase in capital, it was still not sufficient to meet the ambitions of estates and technology. Patrick Brown highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Grant Macrae (GMacrae), Resources Committee Chair, confirmed the Committee had discussed the budget in detail and asked for supplementary analysis which is included within the presented report. The Committee had acknowledged the uplift in capital budget but sought assurance that the change portfolio tasks reflect the Senior Leadership Team’s priorities.
• GMacrae confirmed the Resources Committee were content to recommend the budget for approval.
• Members sought information on how change projects are consulted on and prioritised. CCFarrell responded it was envisaged that the capital allocation would be fully utilised and proposed spend was agreed after considerable consultation. DCCConnors summarised the various aspects which are considered when prioritising spends, including deliverability and impact.
• CCFarrell, LBrown and Fiona Douglas all confirmed the budget would provide sufficient resource to keep the Scottish public safe.
• As Accountable Officer, LBrown noted last year’s budget had more risk, and opportunities to make savings throughout the year wasn’t as fast as it should have been. Less risk in this year’s budget was in part due to the advocacy from the Chair and CCFarrell with Scottish Government. However, the ability to deliver the revised model of policing is now the expectation. LBrown praised the approach of leaders taking advice from subject matter expects, and concluded it was a positive way of working.
• The Chair questioned what engagement had taken place with organisations impacted by the change in charging for events. DCCConnors confirmed they were advised of changes via written correspondence, and this was then followed up with a MS Teams meeting where partners could ask questions. DCCConnors confirmed charges were full cost recovery and no profit was made.

The Authority RESOLVED to:
• AGREE the SPA draft budget for 2024-25.
• AGREE the schedule of rates for events and other services for 2024-25.