Agenda

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personal interest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it. If in doubt contact Democratic Services, West Sussex County Council, before the meeting.

The Panel is asked to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28 June 2024 (cream paper).

The Panel is asked to raise any strategic issues or queries concerning crime and policing in Sussex with the Commissioner.

Written questions may be submitted by members of the public up to two weeks in advance of a meeting. The Commissioner or the Chairman (as appropriate) will be invited to provide a response by noon of the day before the meeting. Questions, together with as many responses as possible, will be published on the Panel’s website (www.sussexpcp.gov.uk).

Four questions have been received from two correspondents. The Panel is invited to note the responses and pose any supplementary questions.

The report sets out the Commissioner’s work in seeking to improve conviction rates for rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).

The Panel is invited to consider the report and make recommendations.

The report sets out the public priorities and supporting objectives proposed to underpin the new Sussex Police and Crime Plan 2024/28.

The Panel is invited to consider the report and make recommendations.

On 10 September, the Panel was formally notified of the proposal of Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner to appoint a Chief Constable of Sussex Police.

The attached report by the Clerk to the Panel provides details of the Panel’s role in the confirmation hearing for the proposed appointment of the Chief Constable of Sussex Police.

The appendices and annexes to the report comprise information from the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the proposed appointment.

The Panel is to ask the candidate questions relating to their professional competence and personal independence.

No complaints have been received as of 13 September 2024.

The Panel is asked to appoint the membership for the Budget and Precept Working Group. The Group acts as a critical friend in the development of the budget and proposed precept for 2025/26.

The Working Group will meet twice, informally and virtually, in mid-November 2024 and on either 8 or 9 January 2025 – dates to be confirmed, depending on member and officer availability.

The first meeting will provide an introduction to finances and consultation, essential background information in preparation for discussion of potential precept options at the second meeting.

The Group will appoint its Chair at the outset of the first meeting.

The next meeting of the Panel will take place on 31 January 2025 at 10.30 a.m. at County Hall, Lewes.

Future meeting dates are set out below:

·         17 February 2025 (provisional)

·         14 March 2025.

Members are asked to indicate at this stage if they wish the meeting to consider bringing into Part I any items on the Part II agenda.

The Panel is asked to consider in respect of the following items whether the public, including the press, should be excluded from the meeting on the grounds of exemption under Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as indicated below, and because, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption of that information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt: Paragraph 1, Information relating to any individual

The Panel is asked to consider in respect of the following item(s) whether the public, including the press, should be excluded from the meeting on the grounds of exemption under Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as indicated below, and because, in all the circumstances of the Page 3 case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption of that information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt: Paragraph 1, Information relating to any individual

The Panel to agree its recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the proposed appointment.

Exempt: Paragraph 1, Information relating to any individual