HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 cc840-1W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is issued to police forces in relation to negotiating contributions from the organisers of(a) football matches and (b) other public events towards the costs of policing those events. [138498]

Ms Blears

Section 25 of the Police Act 1996 enables Chief Officers of Police to provide special police services upon request and in return for payment at a rate set by the police authority.

Home Office guidance is that where the police charge for special services arrangements should be made for full recovery of costs. Home Office circular 34/2000 deals specifically with charging for policing football matches and offers guidance on the calculation of full costs.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to make football clubs responsible for a greater proportion of the costs of policing football matches. [138548]

Ms Blears

Section 25 of the Police Act 1996 enables chief officers of police to provide special police services upon request and in return for payment at a rate set by the police authority.

We appreciate that policing football raises particular issues about resources and deployment which is why a working group, involving the police, police authorities, football authorities and others was set up to consider these matters.

The group has met on a number of occasions but has not concluded its deliberations. It would be premature to speculate on the outcome but a final or interim report will be sought early next year.