Decision Title: Agreement for the Provision of Legal Services to the Police and Crime Commissioner in Warwickshire
Decision Reference Number: WPCC3-0052
Lead Officer: Polly Reed, Chief Executive
If force business, date approved by Chief Officer: n/a
Date: 3 May 2022
Status: Non confidential
Decision summary:
The purpose of the agreement is to document the arrangements agreed by the Parties for the provision of Legal Services for The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire, who will make available a budget for the provision of these services for each financial year. Warwickshire Legal Services are committed to working with the PCC to achieve this.
This decision is to be signed by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Protocol in. I confirm that my register of interests declaration is up to date and that none of my interests preclude me from making this decision.
Signature: Polly Reed
Date: 13 May 2022
Supporting information
1. Background information
Warwickshire Legal Services provide legal advice to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Office, in a Service Level Agreement let under the Goods and Services Act 1970. The agreement will begin on 1 April 2022 and will remain in force until 31 May 2025. It may be terminated by either party giving the other party at least 12 months’ notice in writing to expire on 31 March in any year.
2. List of additional information attached as appendices
Copy of the Service Level Agreement
3. Expected benefits
This is an efficient way of procuring appropriate legal advice in a proportionate way for the service required. Warwickshire Legal Services have provided legal advice for a number of years, and have demonstrated that they have the skills, expertise and capacity to manage the requirements of the office. Due to the longstanding duration of the agreement, there is an element of historical knowledge which is invaluable for current legal advice.
4. Impact of not approving the application
The service would need to be procured from elsewhere, with less certainty of the outcome in respect of cost and benefit.
5. Costs (including any identified savings)
The OPCC will make a budget available of no less than £45,000 per annum.
6. Equality implications
None identified
7. Legal comments
This SLA has been agreed under the Local Authorities (Goods and Services Act) 1970
8. Publication
Information in this form is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) and other legislation. Unless the information provided is covered by an exemption and stated to be either confidential or partly confidential, the information contained in the form will be published on the OPCC website.
Comments from the Treasurer
An annual budget for this service will be available for this work, within the PCC’s revenue budget.
Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
This arrangement has been procured through a legitimate means, and is an effective and efficient way of benefiting from legal advice on the breadth of the role.
