The CIPFA Police and Fire Network held two regional events on Developments in Finance for Police and Fire. The events provided an update on strategic issues for police forces, OPCCs and fire and rescue services and authorities, together with updates from CIPFA on governance matters. We looked specifically at the latest technical finance and accounting issues, including the a review of the changes to the 2017/18 financial statements and feedback from the 2016/17 financial statements including the “Telling the Story” changes to the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. In preparation for the deadline for early closedown for accounts, we also considered some key areas to consider in closing your accounts earlier, challenges for practitioners and actions that will help smooth the transition.
In response to a request from a subscriber, we looked at making the most of the Apprenticeship Levy. In York we heard from Tony Oldroyd, Resourcing Specialist in Human Resources for West Yorkshire Police, on their approach and experience so far. Finally, we looked at the potential accounting arrangements for a PCC taking on the governance of a fire and rescue service, moving to the single-employer model and transitional arrangements for mid-year transfers.