Decision Reference Number: WPCC4-0058
Lead Officer: Polly Reed
Chief Officer approval: N/A
Date: 09/04/2025
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.
Status: Partially-confidential
Supporting documentation confidential on the ground of commercial interests.
Decision summary:
Agreement between Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Warwickshire Legal services to provide legal advice. This Agreement shall commence on 1 April 2025 and will remain in force until 31 March 2028
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.Reed
Date: 08/04/2025
This decision will be taken by Polly Reed, Chief Executive, due to an existing conflict of interest.
Supporting information
1. Background information: why do we need to make this decision?
The purpose of this agreement is to document the arrangements agreed between the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Warwickshire Legal Services (WLS). The legal work undertaken by WLS is for the PCC benefit ensuring access to specialist legal services and advice provided by WLS as and when required. This arrangement has been established in accordance with s15 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which brings PCCs into the definition of public bodies for the purposes of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970.
The Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is, by operation of law, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Monitoring Officer under s5 Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The principal duty of the Monitoring Officer is to draw the attention of the PCC to any proposal, decision or omission which has given rise to or is likely to or would give rise to the PCC acting.
In support of the Chief Executive fulfilling the Monitoring Officer role, WLS will undertake any actions which in its opinion are reasonably required to support the duties of the role (“Monitoring Officer support”).
2. What additional documents are relied upon? Please provide a link or separate attachments.
Service Legal Agreement between PCC and WLS
3. What benefits will this bring, including financial, social or environmental benefits?
The provision of an effective legal service agreement will ensure that the PCC has access to available legal advice. The provision of these services also provides assurance regarding the effectiveness of controls. This SLA provides assurance regarding the arrangements that are in place for the delivery of services from 2025 until 2028.
4. What is the impact of not approving the application?
If the SLA with Warwickshire County Council is not approved, the arrangement for legal advice would remain in principle and not be formally agreed. If this were the case, there would be potential that the PCC would not be meeting the requirements and assurance sought from legal services regarding the effectiveness of internal controls may not be in place.
5. How much will it cost? (please provide cost breakdown, including any identified savings, and include where they have been approved)
The expected cost per financial year is £45,000. Final charges will vary dependent on the number of hours/days provided.
6. Who has been consulted on this proposal?
This has been arranged by the OPCC and WLS
7. Will this decision have an impact on any specific individuals or groups or communities?
The PCC has a duty of care to ensure the cost-effective provision of services
8. Does this decision have legal implications? Has legal advice been sought?
Legal advice has been sought.
Comments from the Chief Finance Officer
The provision of legal services will provide assurance regarding the effectiveness of a number of internal control systems, and will also ensure compliance with regulations. The Service Level Agreement outlines the arrangements for the delivery of legal support sought. The costs of delivering the SLA are included within the annual budget, and across the medium term financial plan.
Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
This service is an important part of the Corporate Governance arrangements.
