Strategic Policing Priority 5 - Use Resources Effectively

 

Why is this a priority for SYP?
South Yorkshire Police Authority is responsible for ensuring that public money spent on policing is providing value for money in every aspect.  In the current economic climate, it is essential that the Authority proves their commitment to enhancing productivity and ensures the optimal level of resource is directed towards dealing with what matters to you. 

South Yorkshire Police staff are our greatest asset. The workforce accounts for approximately 80% of the policing budget, so it is vital to know that we are utilising staff in the most productive manner.  We want to ensure that police officers are not overburdened with paperwork and are supported by effective policies and procedures. 

 

VALUE FOR MONEY STRATEGY

The Planning Environment

One of the most important responsibilities of police authorities is promoting and ensuring VFM in policing.  The principal elements of VFM involve:

  • Maximising the impact of limited resources and achieving the best possible results for a given amount of funds
  • Linking resources to risks, priorities and performance
  • Providing services which meet the needs of customers
  • Always encouraging continuous improvement.

VFM is therefore not simply about saving money, it’s about always getting the best out of what you do spend.  The announcement of substantial cuts in public sector spending has meant that this is more important than ever. 

Comprehensive Spending Review

The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) announced on 20 October 2010, fixed budgets for all Government departments until 2014-15. For policing, the Government target is a real terms cut of 20% in grants over four years.  We get more funding from Government grant as opposed to local council tax, so we will be hit hard.  This equates to a cash reduction of more than £40.8m over the four years, with cuts of up to £14.9m required in the 2011-12 budget.  The scale of the cuts will mean a reduction in the number of police officers and police staff. 

VFM Strategy for 2011-12

The Police Authority has had a VFM Strategy since 2008, the principles of which underpin many existing strategies and internal processes. The future economic climate means that we will face a triple challenge of increasing demands, higher quality targets and reducing resources.  Cash savings will drive the strategy in the short-term, but it is vital that cash releasing proposals are subject to robust evaluation to identify the potential impact on quality of service and public confidence.  The VFM culture established over the last 10 years will help to ensure that future cash savings are not made simply to achieve financial targets.  VFM will be about efficiency and productivity, but the focus will be on being efficient in providing the right service as well as possible, in a way that improves confidence and satisfaction.