Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed those present and explained the procedure for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Parisha Chavda (Independent Member), Councillor Mullaney and Councillor Clarke.

It was noted that Councillor Russell was present as a substitute in place of Councillor Clarke.

Members will be asked to declare any interests they have in the business on the agenda.

Members were asked to disclose any pecuniary or other interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Councillor Piara Singh Clair declared that the proposed candidate Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal was a close family friend and associate who had also supported him during his term as Lord Mayor raising significant funds to his chosen charity.

In accordance with the public interest and for the avoidance of any doubt Councillor Piara Singh Clair withdrew from the meeting.

Following notification from the Police and Crime Commissioner of his intention to appoint the preferred candidate Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, for the panel to hold a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Following notification by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of his intention to appoint a preferred candidate, Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC), the Panel held a Confirmation Hearing in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

The Panel received a report setting out the powers of the Panel and the process to be followed in the Confirmation Hearing.

The Panel noted the information provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner relating to the appointment of the DPCC which included:

·         The name of the preferred candidate and her experience/background;

·         A statement stating why the preferred candidate met the criteria of the role;

·         The proposed terms and conditions of the appointment.

The Police and Crime Commissioner addressed the Panel and outlined his reasons for deciding to appoint a Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner at this time and gave an overview of the process he had undertaken to select his preferred candidate. He indicated that the role of the DPCC would include a significant amount of engagement with stakeholders and communities and therefore he had sought a candidate whose skills would be complimentary to the Police and Crime Commissioners’, as well as having the requisite personal skills and background dealing effectively with business, stakeholders and communities.

The Panel heard that the Police and Crime Commissioner and the candidate had worked constructively together in the past on other projects.

The Police and Crime Commissioner commended to the Panel, Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to serve as DPCC for as long as the Police and Crime Commissioner held office.

The Panel asked the Police and Crime Commissioner a series of questions, this included seeking assurance as to the fairness and transparency of the approach taken to the appointment; the key responsibilities and expectations of the DPCC role; and clarity as to the accuracy of information provided regarding the candidates experience and background.

The Police and Crime Commissioner also confirmed that the candidate, if successful, would remain in her role as a District Councillor and gave assurance that consideration had been given to how she would meet the commitments of the DPCC role. The Panel heard that the candidate had expressed full commitment to the DPCC role noting that many local councillors worked full time or in other roles whilst maintaining their responsibilities as a local councillor.

The Panel then asked wide ranging questions of the candidate related to her professional competence and personal independence, the answers to which enabled Members to evaluate her suitability for the role. At the end of questioning the Chair thanked the candidate and provided an opportunity to clarify any responses given.

The Chair announced that the Panel’s resolution would be notified to the Police and Crime Commissioner and confirmed in writing as specified by relevant legislation.

The Chair then asked all but Members of the Panel and the Panel’s support officers to withdraw from the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the press and members of the public be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Panel members to discuss the proposed appointment to the role of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and to agree their decision and recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner.

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during this item of business, as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that of members of the public were present during that item there would be disclosure to them or exempt information as contained within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information) and, further, that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

While there may be a public interest in disclosing the information, namely openness in the deliberations of the Panel in determining its recommendations regarding the proposed appointment, it is felt that, on balance, this is outweighed by other factors in favour of maintaining the exemption, namely enabling a full discussion regarding the merits of the proposed appointment.

The Panel held exempt discussions which examined the evidence provided in the Confirmation Hearing session.

On the basis of the information provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner, the discussions held in the Confirmation Hearing and the candidates responses to robust and varied questioning the Panel unanimously agreed the recommendation to appoint.

RESOLVED:

That the Police and Crime Commissioner be recommended to appoint the proposed candidate, Councillor Ajmer Kaur Mahal to the position of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Panel’s letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner of 15 December 2022 is appended to these minutes.

The next ordinary meeting of the Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to 1^st February 2023 at 1pm at City Hall.

The next ordinary scheduled meeting of the Panel to take place on 1^st February 2023 at 1pm at City Hall, Leicester.

None notified.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 4.00pm.