The Merseyside Police and Crime Panel’s role is to hold the Commissioner accountable for their duties and responsibilities. The Panel also make sure information is available for members of the public so that they, too, can hold the PCC to account.
The Panel focuses on important strategic actions and decisions made by the PCC. It is the Panel’s role to act as a “critical friend”, offering both challenge and support to the Commissioner.
Powers and responsibilities
Panels have a range of powers to help them carry out their responsibilities. In specific terms, the Panel is obliged to:
- Review the Commissioner’s proposed budget/precept (the local charge on the council tax to fund the police) and submit a report/recommendations on it – this includes the Panel having the power of veto;
- Review the Commissioner’s draft Police and Crime Plan (or a variation of it) and submit a report/recommendation on it;
- Review the Commissioner’s Annual Report and submit a report/recommendations on it (this requires the Panel to have a public meeting at which it will question the Commissioner on the content of the document).
- Hold confirmation hearings for the following:
- the Commissioner’s proposed appointment of a Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer (two separate statutory roles);
- the Commissioner’s proposed appointment of a Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (this is a discretionary appointment), and
- the appointment of a new Chief Constable (this includes the Panel having the power of veto over the commissioner’s initially proposed candidate).
- Hold a scrutiny hearing (meeting in private) where the Commissioner is proposing the removal or resignation of the Chief Constable.
- Appoint an Acting Commissioner in certain circumstances (such as where the Commissioner is incapacitated).
- Suspend the Commissioner where he/she is charged with an offence carrying a potential term of imprisonment.
- Make arrangements for recording and dealing with conduct matters relating to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.