Member

We understand the desire for transparency in how these charges are paid, as proposed by Amendment 416D. However, should clarification be required on these matters, these issues are better addressed through guidance, rather than through prescriptive primary legislation. Mandating bank transfer as the sole payment route is unnecessarily rigid, given established public sector financial controls, audited accounts and existing mechanisms for receipting. Forces and police and crime commissioners should retain proportionate flexibility to use approved payment routes. The proposals to prohibit loaning of equipment could also risk creating barriers to collaboration between policing and industry.