‘Challenges remain’ for police authority

The auditor general has warned “considerable challenges remain” in the operation of the Scottish Police Authority.

The SPA was subject to another Section 22 report by the ombudsman published yesterday.

It follows the recent resignation of chairwoman Susan Deacon earlier this month, who warned the watchdog function was “fundamentally flawed”.

Caroline Gardner, auditor general for Scotland, said: “There is still an absolute need to agree a fully shared understanding about what the SPA’S functions and responsibilities are, so that it can fulfil the role envisaged in legislation in 2012.

“There have been improvements, but considerable challenges remain. The SPA now needs a period of stability to build capacity and plan for a modern and financially stable police service.”

Justice Committee convener Margaret Mitchell MSP said: “The Justice Committee has been concerned about the SPA’S oversight of Police Scotland for some time, and has already considered a number of the issues raised in Audit Scotland’s report.

“As part of the committee’s post-legislative scrutiny of the 2012 Act, underpinning policing arrangements in Scotland, it made recommendations about governance, and is continuing to monitor developments at the SPA closely. Members will take stock in the new year, and consider how, as parliamentarians, we can act most effectively to ensure that scrutiny of Police Scotland and the work carried out by the SPA is up to the standard the public has a right to expect.”

Public Audit Committee convener Jenny Marra MSP said: “This is the sixth consecutive Section 22 report published by Audit Scotland that highlights key issues of concern relating to the management of the SPA and its oversight of Police Scotland.

“The committee will be asking why these shortcomings still exist and if the scale of transformation required to deliver Policing 2026 plan can be achieved.”