The Community Safety Executive Group latest agreed position (10th August 2011):
- agreed to continue to support the COSLA principles of reform and lobby against the removal of this key Local Government function;
- supported the offer to the Scottish Government detailed in the last section of the report;
- noted that we are yet to see the final proposals of the Scottish Government and recommended the following position to Leaders and requested that these views are expressed robustly to the Scottish Government:
- COSLA hopes that the Scottish Government will show a renewed commitment to partnership working with Local Government, and shared respect of the roles both Local and National Government have, during this term of office and asks that we endeavour to work together for the benefit of the people in our communities;
- COSLA requests that Ministers and key Civil Servants meet COSLA Leaders before the Government makes a final decision so that we have an opportunity to comment on the final proposals and make our views clear;
- COSLA recognises the need to deliver services more efficiently but agreed that any changes to the Policing in Scotland should not have a detrimental effect on:
- The number of frontline Police Officers working the beat in Scottish Communities
- The effectiveness of support services that enable Police Officers to operate successfully
- Accountability to Local Authorities
- Local operational control of police assets
- The operational independence of Chief Officers
(Note: This recommendation is to be discussed at COSLA Leaders on 26th August 2011)
Have your say at our free event on 23rd August.