Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Monday, 22 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 May 2006. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Thursday, 8 June 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors were taken into account when the decision was made that Kent police should remain a single entity.

Answer: The decision that Kent police could remain a single entity and internally reconfigure to improve its provision of protective services took into account professional advice from Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary.The decision further took into account: the business case submitted by Kent police which set out planned reforms to further develop its provision of protective services and neighbourhood policing; financial assessments of the case commissioned by the Home Office; and the need to establish a balanced and resilient regional and national policing landscape.The Home Secretary has made it clear that he believes that the establishment of strategic police forces through the merger of existing police areas is the basis for a reformed, fully effective police service in the future and in particular is the necessary step to enhance the stability of local neighbourhood policing, and that he wishes to carefully review the restructuring programme before making announcements on the best way forward.

Secondary information