Decision Reference Number: WPCC3-0133
Lead Officer: Polly Reed
Chief Officer approval: N/A
Date: 21/03/24
Status: Non-confidential
Decision summary:
This is a decision in respect of Pension Forfeiture for Mr Alan Butler. The PCC has determined to make a pension forfeiture, at the level of 20% of his pension on a permanent basis.
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: P.Seccombe
Date: 26.03.2024
Supporting information
1. Background information
This decision follows from WPCC3-0080, and relates to Stage 3 of the Pension Forfeiture process. The Stage 3 report details the process that has been followed in respect of decision making, and has provided the background information to the case, and the information on which the PCC is relying to make the decision. The PCC, in the role as Pension Supervising Authority has been supported by the Pension Advisory Panel in the decision making process, to ensure transparency of approach, and consideration of the representations of the scheme member and the force.
2. List of additional information attached as appendices
- Pension Forfeiture Stage 3 report – 11 March 2024
- Representations from Mr Butler – 27 January 2024, 15 March and 18 March (Exempt from publication)
3. Expected benefits
Trust and confidence in policing is essential, and high standards in policing is not optional. Making a decision to forfeit a pension for a former police officer will send a clear signal to the public that policing is committed to routing out those who are not fit to work in the service, and public money will be safeguarded.
4. Impact of not approving the application
The impact of not making this decision will be that the PCC is not using all the powers at his disposal to ensure trust and confidence in policing.
5. Costs (including any identified savings)
This decision will result in a saving to the public purse in respect of approximately £4,000 per annum, for as long as Mr Butler draws down a pension payment.
6. Equality considerations
This is a decision that affects an individual and his family members. Consideration has been made about the impacts on the individuals when determining the forfeiture amount. This must be weighted again the impact on the individuals who were victims of the committed crimes, who will be affected by Mr Butler’s actions in the long term.
7. Legal comments
A legal representative has attended the Pension Advisory Panel and advised throughout the process.
8. Social or Environmental considerations
Nothing specific identified.
9. 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
There are no financial implications or costs directly associated with this decision to the PCC or Warwickshire Police, but the decision has a wider implication of savings on the public purse.
Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
The PCC has been supported to make a fair and balanced decision in respect of Mr Butler, taking into account his personal circumstances.
