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2nd Floor,
Police Head Quarters, La route du Fort,
St Helier, JE2 4HQ 01534 612147
Deputy Catherine Curtis
Chair, Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel. By email to: K.Decarteret@gov.je
4th October 2024
Dear Deputy Curtis ,
Subject: Review of the Government's Proposed Budget 2024-2027
Thank you for your letter requesting the views of the Jersey Police Authority ("JPA") on the Review of the Government's Proposed Budget 2025-2027 (P.51/2024). Having considered the Panel's Terms of Reference, I am pleased to offer the Authority's comments on the following related projects:
Replacement Assets and Minor Capital – SoJP Page 63 of P.51/2024)
Maintaining operational effectiveness and officer safety requires regular replacement of assets and minor capital expenditures. These investments help save costs and meet legal requirements. They also enhance community policing, crime prevention, emergency response capabilities, and employee morale all of which are the pillars upon which an efficient Police Service are built.
Regular assessments ensure that States of Jersey Police ("SOJP") assets remain at the standard necessary for ongoing service delivery while adapting to technological advancements, and also provide an element of ensuring that the assets remain fit for the future
Savings Proposals (Page 106 of P.51/2024)
The SOJP remains committed to addressing the cost pressures faced by the Government. We acknowledge the need for all departments to contribute by identifying savings, as detailed on page 106 of the budget.
The JPA appreciates the efforts of government colleagues in presenting these figures for our understanding.
As part of the savings plan, the Chief Officer has identified that two police staff posts will remain unfilled in 2025, with the same likely in 2026, thereby assisting with the overall objective.
Further, growth funding previously allocated for digital forensic capabilities has been reduced by £47,000.
Changes to Revenue Heads of Expenditure 2027–2028 (Page 110 of P.51/2024)
The SOJP's departmental revenue budget increases by approximately £3 million, with around £2 million of this reflecting the 2024 pay award. Service transfers relate to the Emergency Services Combined Control Room controllers (£769,000) and a Communications post transfer (£76,000) from the Cabinet Office.
While the previous growth related to the Digital Forensics Unit and Parental Leave costs, the allocation for 2026 onwards remains significantly below the identified needs for 2024 and 2025.
The JPA is concerned about this gap, and the potential implications which this brings, and will strive to ensure SOJP receives the appropriate funding necessary for delivering effective policing services.
Revenue Heads of Expenditure (Page 41 of P.51/2024)
The budget allocates £30.185 million to SOJP for 2025. We note the forecasted reductions for future years and commit to robust scrutiny of the government's proposed allocations for 2026 and beyond.
Departmental Spend in 2025 (Page 4 of P.51/2024)
The JPA has been presented with figures related only to the SOJP and therefore cannot comment on the overall departmental budget allocations.
After reviewing SOJP's financial requirements during meetings with its Senior Team and the Treasury and Resources Business Partner, the JPA has carefully considered the police service's funding needs. Article 4(3) of the Police Force Law states that the JPA must seek from the Minister any additional resources required to enable SOJP to meet its key aims and objectives. In light of this, the JPA cautiously supports the proposed 2025 funding allocation, on the condition that the Government of Jersey continues to provide financial backing for the two major operations that have placed significant pressure on SOJP resources, all whilst maintaining support for their ongoing business as usual' responsibilities.
The success and sustainability of SOJP's services depend on this essential financial support. Without it, the delivery of critical policing services is compromised.
We trust that this position aligns with the overall aim of maintaining public safety and supporting the operational capacity of the SOJP during these challenging times. We remain committed to engaging constructively with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the police force is adequately resourced in its vital role.
Given the statutory responsibility of the JPA to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the SOJP, we believe these matters are of significant importance and should be brought to the attention of the Scrutiny Panel.
Yours sincerely
Simon Harman Chairman
Jersey Police Authority
CC: Executive Officer Jersey Police Authority
Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Chief Officer Justice and Home Affairs