§ Sir John WheelerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has made a decision on the guidance to be given to police authorities on the charges to 409W be made for police officers deployed at football matches under section 15 of the Police Act 1974; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have given careful consideration to the views of Lord Justice Taylor, the Audit Commission, the Home Affairs Committee and interested parties. I have concluded that full economic costs should be charged for police officers deployed on the private property of football clubs. It cannot be right for police budgets to provide a hidden subsidy to the football industry, particularly in view of the considerable costs borne by the police for policing football crowds in public places before and after matches.
However, in view of the difficulties that may be faced by some clubs, particularly those facing considerable costs in meeting Lord Justice Taylor's other recommendations, I am advising police authorities to exercise their discretion and phase in full charges over a period of up to five years where appropriate. The same principles will apply to charges made for special police services at other events.
Guidance will be issued shortly and copies will be placed in the Library.