Challenges ahead if cops to meet budget

POLICING in Scotland is facing “considerable challenges” if it is to meet long-term financial targets, according to a report.

An audit of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA)’s accounts for 2017-18 highlighted budget concerns amid plans to reform policing in the country.

A 10-year policing strategy was published in June last year, aiming to improve and increase the sustainability of the service. Analysis conducted by auditor general Caroline Gardner has now highlighted the work required to meet the targets set out in the Policing 2026 document.

The report noted there were improvements in areas such as governance arrangements, with all board and committee papers now made publicly available.

The Scottish Government last year committed to provide additional funding of around £60million to help support reform within the service.

The audit report highlighted the SPA reported a total resource out-turn (revenue and capital) of £1,126.7m, against a budget of £1,092.4m, resulting in an overspend of £34.3m.

There was increased spending on consultancy and external support, attributed in part due to a lack of capacity in the SPA and Police Scotland to deliver strategic projects.

A total of £4.3m was spent in 2017-18 on consultancy fees, more than double the £1.9m spent the previous year.

Expenditure on agency staff was £4m, a significant increase from the £1.5m spent in 2016/17.