075/2013: Boroughbridge Local Police Station Office – 5 November 2013

Executive Summary and recommendation:

North Yorkshire Police (NYP) set out its strategy in relation to its Estate in 2007, the Strategy being approved in 2008. The strategy consisted of three 5-year phases. The strategy identified a number of disposals opportunities, where the Estate did not provide fit for purpose/value for money facilities. One of the locations identified was the current police station located in Boroughbridge.

The current Police Station at Boroughbridge is considered too large for current needs of the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), and maintenance costs could be significantly reduced if smaller premises were sought. The current police station is very close to BoroughbridgeTown centre and is reasonably accessible to the public.

After an extensive search of the local area it became apparent that Boroughbridge Fire Station was a potential co-location premise, close to the town centre and promoting joint working with Partners.
Boroughbridge Fire Station is one of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services (NYF&RS) retained stations and due to its close proximity to the A1 and A19 motorways it remains a key strategic location for NYF&RS and will be part of their estate for the foreseeable future.

In order for the Fire Station to provide appropriate accommodation for the SNT a small single storey extension will need to be built. This will provide the SNT with its own secure access and office space, but still share the communal areas such as kitchen and toilet facilities with NYF&RS, supporting both organisations by sharing facilities and reducing costs.

This Decision Notice recommends investment in the NYFRS site to provide accommodation to co-locate NYP, and the disposal of the current Boroughbridge Police Station once migration to the new premises is completed and the property is empty.

Police and Crime Commissioner decision:

Approved

Signature Date 5 November 2013
Title Police & Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire

Part 1 – Unrestricted facts and advice to the PCC

1. Introduction and background
1. North Yorkshire Police (NYP) set out its strategy in relation to its Estate in 2007, the Strategy being approved in 2008. The strategy consisted of three 5-year phases. The strategy identified a number of disposals opportunities, where the Estate did not provide fit for purpose/value for money facilities. One of the locations identified was the current police station located in Boroughbridge.
2. The current Police Station at Boroughbridge is considered too large for current needs of the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), and maintenance costs could be significantly reduced if smaller premises were sought. The current police station is very close to BoroughbridgeTown centre and is reasonably accessible to the public.
3. After an extensive search of the local area it became apparent that Boroughbridge Fire Station was a potential co-location premise, close to the town centre and promoting joint working with Partners.
4. Boroughbridge Fire Station is one of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services (NYF&RS) retained stations and due to its close proximity to the A1 and A19 motorways it remains a key strategic location for NYF&RS and will be part of their estate for the foreseeable future.
5. In order for the Fire Station to provide appropriate accommodation for the SNT a small single storey extension will need to be built. This will provide the SNT with its own secure access and office space, but still share the communal areas such as kitchen and toilet facilities with NYF&RS, supporting both organisations by sharing facilities and reducing costs.
6. In order to progress with this proposal it is recommended that NYP fund and carry out the works to extend the current FRS site. NYP would then occupy the new premises and shared premises on a ‘peppercorn rent’ basis for a 30 year period, sharing common facilities and costs with FRS. A formal agreement would be drafted to legally secure this proposed arrangement.
7. The estimated costs associated with this proposal are contained within Part 2 of this notice.
2. Matters for consideration
1. This proposal enables NYP to retain a cost effective policing presence in the Boroughbridge town centre. It also supports collaboration and Partnership working, by securing reduced revenue running costs for both parties through co-location.
2. Co-location and shared premises and facilities with NYF&RS will enable NYP to obtain value for money whilst maintaining operational capacity. It also enables NYP to work more closely with our fire service colleagues, a collaboration that both services are working towards throughout North Yorkshire and the City of York. It also helps to retain a key operational location for both organisations for many years to come.
3. Other options considered, if any
1. Other options have been considered as part of this appraisal. These included other opportunities to re-locate within the Boroughbridge area. However, these options were discounted in favour of a collaboration with NYF&RS, as this option supports our collaboration agenda, provides a best value option for NYP and will also support FRS by sharing revenue costs associated with the running of the premises.
4. Contribution to Police and Crime Plan outcomes
1. The proposal contributes to the Police and Crime Plan Goal 3 (More with Less) and Goal 4 (Fit for the Future) by ensuring we have a fit for purpose Estate, make best use of force assets and supports our sustainability and collaboration goals.
5. Consultations carried out
1. Consultation has been carried out with:
   • the NYP Property and Facilities department and Information Systems Services
   • the Knaresborough and Boroughbridge SNT Inspector
   • Contracts Manager for NYF&RS
2. Co-location agreement/terms have been agreed in principle.
6. Financial Implications/Value for money
1. There are funds in the MTFP identified to fund the provision of Local Police Offices, including Boroughbridge, and the total is more than sufficient to cover the costs outlined in this notice. However the portion of the total funding earmarked for Boroughbridge is less than the costs outlined in this notice, which means that the funding available for other LPSO’s will be reduced.
   Revenue savings are anticipated as a result of this proposal. Details of costings are provided in Part 2 of this notice.
7. Legal Implications
1. Having read this report and having considered such information as has been provided at the time of being asked to express this view, the Deputy Force Solicitor is satisfied that this report does not ask the PCC for North Yorkshire to make a decision which would (or would be likely to) give rise to a contravention of the law.
8. Equality Implications
1. There are no equality or diversity resulting from the relocation of the Boroughbridge SNT and the disposal of the existing Boroughbridge police station.

Public Access to Information

The Police and Crime Commissioner wishes to be as open and transparent as possible about the decisions he/she takes or are taken in his/her name. All decisions taken by the Commissioner will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

As a general principle, the Commissioner expects to be able to publish all decisions taken and all matters taken into account and all advice received when reaching the decision. Part 1 of this Notice will detail all information which the Commissioner will disclose into the public domain. The decision and information in Part 1 will be made available on the NYPCC web site within 2 working days of approval.

Only where material is properly classified as restricted under the GPMS or if that material falls within the description at 2(2) of The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 will the Commissioner not disclose decisions and/or information provided to enable that decision to be made. In these instances, Part 2 of the Form will be used to detail those matters considered to be restricted. Information in Part 2 will not be published.

Is there a Part 2 to this Notice – YES
If Yes, what is the reason for restriction – commercially sensitive