§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes are proposed in the charging policy for the policing of football matches for the 1999–2000 season; how those charges are assessed; and if he will make a statement. [91915]
623W
§ Kate HoeyIt is for chief constables to decide when to charge for special services such as the policing of football matches. The scale of charges is determined by the police authority. Under Home Office guidelines, the level of charges should represent the full economic cost of providing the special service.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes are proposed in policing costs for road closures for sporting and public events; and if he will make a statement. [91916]
§ Kate HoeyI understand that the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has issued guidance that the current practice by police forces of using their powers to achieve road closures during sporting events, such as football matches and other public events, is inappropriate. The ACPO advice is that, for planned events, it would be more appropriate for the organisers to apply to the relevant local authority for a road closure order. The fees and charges involved would be a matter for the local authority to determine.