Bids for ScotRail
The Scottish Government confirms that public bidders will be eligible to bid for the next ScotRail franchise.
The Scottish Government is to delay the proposed merger of British Transport Police (BTP) and Police Scotland, while it “explores” further options to devolve railway policing.
The announcement was made by Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf on August 27.
He said the Scottish Government remains committed to the full integration of railway policing into Police Scotland, but that there was a need to identify interim arrangements that “could give effect more quickly to the devolution of railway policing”.
However, the Scottish Police Authority said that there is “insufficiently detailed evidence at this point on which to reach a conclusion on a ‘go live’ date.”
In a statement, Yousaf said: “Throughout this process we have been committed to listening to officers and staff. As part of that ongoing approach I have decided that we will re-examine all options for the devolution of railway policing, with clear governance structures that ensure accountability to the Scottish Parliament.
“The absolute priority for all those involved is the safety and security of officers, staff and those who use Scotland’s railways. I intend to update Parliament following summer recess.”
On August 30, at a Scottish Police Authority (SPA) board meeting discussing the integration of the BTP with Police Scotland, a number of issues were raised including: indemnification of the SPA from the Scottish Government for future potential pensions liabilities; future funding for railway policing in Scotland; future performance requirements and reporting expectations; levels of investment in digital, data and IT capability and capacity; and clarity on the impact of further transformation and resources dedicated to BTP integration.
The report presented to the board acknowledged that the replan has been well structured, but added: “We are not currently satisfied that the substantive matters raised by SPA members or associated issues of concern to Police Scotland have been adequately resolved or that there is sufficient clarity around the future timeline or process to address these issues.
“In light of that, Police Scotland are not currently in a position to recommend any revised ‘go-live’ date. This position has been communicated to the Scottish Government.”
Discussions are ongoing between the SPA and Scottish government. The replanning exercise was announced by former Justice Secretary Michael Matheson in February this year.