There is a requirement under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 for PCCs and Chief Constables to publish detail of expenditure exceeding £500 and the reason why the PCC and Chief Constable consider that good value for money has been achieved.
Value for money is achieved as a result of all staff ordering goods and services which comply with the PCC’s financial regulations and contract standing orders. The Constabulary also has a robust Value for Money Strategy in place. Additionally, on an annual basis, the PCC and Chief Constable’s external auditors are required under Section 5 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 to satisfy themselves that proper arrangements are in place for securing economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the PCC and Chief Constable’s use of resources.
Information need not be published if that information:
- would, in the view of the Chief Constable, be against the interests of national security;
- might, in the view of the Chief Constable, jeopardise the safety of any person;
- might, in the view of the Chief Constable, prejudice the prevention or detection of crime, the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, or the administration of justice; or
- is prohibited by or under any enactment.