SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHROITY BUDGET 2025-26

Members considered the report which presented the proposed 2025-26 budgets for revenue, capital and reform. James Gray (JGray) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• CBrown commended the finance team for delivering a balanced budget through a challenging process. He confirmed it supported the annual police plan, and he summarised the internal governance routes where the budget was discussed. On behalf of the Accountable Officer, CBrown confirmed he was content to recommend the budget for approval.
• CCFarrell, CBrown and Fiona Douglas (FDouglas) all confirmed the budget would provide sufficient resource to keep the Scottish public safe and to adequately fund Scotland’s Forensic Service and the Authority’s corporate function.
• Members asked what impact an expected officer number drop to 16,500 would have on capacity. CCFarrell responded that workforce mix was key, and the organisation intended to look at what areas of business could be delivered by non-warranted officers. DCCSmith added that Police Scotland want to bring in appropriate skills to fill resource gaps to allow officers to be utilised better. Members were also told digital technology like BWV and DESC will help increase capacity.
• Member sought information on how prioritising the frontline can be monitored and the public impact. CCFarrell commented that work is ongoing to bring resources into pressured areas, and response times in periods of high demand would be looked at to identify improvements. Public confidence and satisfaction levels from the public would also be a key indicator, as well as feedback from staff surveys.
• Members sought assurance that a balanced budget is achievable, and questioned how it will be monitored. JGray advised that there would be monthly monitoring with an early focus on capital. During 25/26, there will be an increased profile in capital spend with proposals to look at multi-year capital planning in line with transformation work.
• Members sought comment on the impact on workforce wellbeing as a result of the budget. CCFarrell commented that she recognised there was pressure on the frontline so a number of measures will be taken including trying to improve work/life balance. Members were informed of the force mobilisation approach where officers that have a predominantly day shift role are asked to work a certain number of weekends/specific days a year to help those on shift and ensure a sufficient emergency response to spontaneous emergency events.
• Noting some savings are made on non-recurring basis, Members asked what the approach will be for savings on a recurring basis. JGray responded that there are approximately £10million worth of non-recurring costs and the primarily focus will be looking at staff workforce and modernisation of the police estate.
• Members questioned whether the allocation would meet demand for drug driving toxicology services. FDouglas explained that the budget assumes that demand in the area will remain at the level set out in the MOU. The MOU also sets out areas of focus should demand increase and management continually look at resourcing to ascertain whether resources can be moved from areas with less demand.

Members approved the SPA budget for 2025/26 and the schedule of rates for events and other services for 2025-26.