Gloucestershire PEEL 2014
Efficiency
How well the force delivers value for money
To what extent is the force efficient?
To what extent is the force efficient?
When the spending review started, Gloucestershire Constabulary was already being run efficiently and with comparatively low costs. It has continued to make cuts to its spending.
The force is in the process of carrying out a detailed review of all of its demand. The results of the demand and resourcing analysis will inform the new structure being implemented, enabling it to achieve its entire savings requirement and protect frontline policing and crime fighting.
The force has seen a bigger overall reduction in crime over this period than the figure for England and Wales, although over the last 12 months the rate of reduction has slowed, and victim satisfaction remains below that of England and Wales.
To what extent is the force taking steps to ensure a secure financial position for the short and long term?
HMIC is confident that Gloucestershire Constabulary will reduce its spending and make the required savings by the end of the spending review period, and that plans are in place to save a further £2.5m in 2015/16. It is also planning further ahead, and has plans in place to achieve another £6.8m of anticipated savings in 2016/17.
The force already has a strong track record of achieving the savings it planned to make, and has strong financial management.
The force is developing plans to change the way it is structured to enable it to cope with further cuts and continue to provide effective policing.
To what extent has the force got an affordable way of providing policing?
Gloucestershire Constabulary has already made significant savings from changing the way it manages policing, particularly from reducing the costs of support services. It has worked hard to limit the cuts to jobs and find savings from non-pay areas.
It has reviewed its current organisation and is implementing a new way of providing policing that will enable it to continue to tackle priorities with fewer resources, as well as coping with further budget cuts in the future.
The force has worked well to collaborate with neighbouring Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Wiltshire Police. The joint policing operations are set to achieve savings and provide a better service for the public of Gloucestershire.