THE deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Simon Bound, has been elected chairman of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP).

Councillor Bound was appointed to the position on Friday, July 2 following five years as a member of the PCP.

He is the deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the cabinet member for communities, planning and infrastructure.

The role of the panel is to scrutinise and support the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, who was elected in May to oversee police and crime policy.

Although the Police and Crime Commissioner is ultimately accountable to the electorate, the Police and Crime Panel is responsible for reviewing the Commissioner’s actions and decisions.

The panel was established as part of governance and accountability arrangements for policing in the two counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Following his appointment, Councillor Bound said: “I am delighted to be elected to the position of chairman of the Police and Crime Panel and the important role we undertake to serve the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - representing their interests and priorities when scrutinising the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I look forward to working alongside the new Police and Crime Commissioner and reviewing the new draft Police and Crime Plan – ensuring it serves the best interests of the community.”

Isle of Wight Councillor Dave Stewart, the former chairman of the panel who is now an independent co-opted member, was elected Vice Chair.

Cllr Stewart had held the post since the panel was created in 2012.

The PCP’s powers include:

  • To review the draft Police and Crime Plan.
  • To publicly scrutinise the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Annual Report.
  • To review and scrutinise decisions and actions taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
  • To review, influence and if necessary, challenge Council Tax precept levels proposed by the Commissioner.
  • To confirm or if necessary, challenge the future appointment of a Chief Constable.
  • To appoint an acting Commissioner, if required.

For more information, visit http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-pcp