PCC/D/2025/06
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Police and Crime Commissioner has been approached by the charity Community Action, with a request to park 3 of their minibuses at Malvern Police Station. The charity works to reduce social isolation for West Mercia elderly and frail residents in Malvern and the surrounding area, who are unable to travel independently.
The charity’s existing parking arrangement ended at the end of 2024. The charity has requested support from the PCC and West Mercia Police to allow the use of 6 car parking spaces to support their continuing work in and around Malvern.
PROPOSAL
For the PCC to authorise the signing of a new Licence for parking with Community Action, as detailed in this report.
APPROVAL OF
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner
I hereby approve the above proposal. Signed
(Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner)
PART 1 – NON-CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT FACTS AND FIGURES
SUPPORTING REPORT
Community Action is a registered charity (Charity No UK1149335) operating in Malvern and the wider District. The charity has supported the local community for over 50 years offering a lifeline for elderly, disabled residents and those who are unable to travel independently. They provide essential transport services and a range of activities.
The charity approached the OPCC through a local police officer with a request to park three minibuses at Malvern Police Station. The parking spaces will enable the organisation to save costs and continue delivering their service to vulnerable members of the community.
The OPCC Estates Department recommend regularising the use of the spaces by granting a Licence of 6 allocated parking spaces to the rear of Malvern Police Station. Each minibus will take up 2 standard parking bays.
The Licence will be granted on a rolling basis, it will renew automatically until terminated by the either party, on 3 months’ notice. Due to the charitable status of the organisation and the nature of the service they provide to the local community, it is recommended that a nominal licence fee of £1 per annum be charged. Volunteers’ personal vehicles will not be permitted to park in the spaces.
Under the Licence terms, the PCC will remain responsible for the costs of compliance and maintenance of the car parking spaces. The charity will be responsible for the reinstatement of fixtures, fittings or surfaces which are damaged by the use of the vehicles and/or volunteer drivers and their vehicles and indemnify the OPCC against all claims and eventualities, including by 3rd parties, arising out of the use by the charity of the parking bays.
The Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing was consulted on (and approved) the proposal from an operational perspective, on the understanding that the agreement sets no precedent, can be terminated if required, there is no liability for the force, no access is required to the police station, and spaces are identified that do not impact on operational policing. The feedback provided has been implemented already into this proposal.
STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
This decision supports the following element(s) of the West Mercia Safer Communities Plan:
☐ Cutting Crime
☑ Policing with the Community
☐ Supporting Victims & Survivors
☐Maximising Resources & Value
The decision supports this/ these objective(s) through the following:
- Ensure West Mercia’s estate delivers the facilities police and communities need, in the most effective, efficient way possible.
- This is in line with the PCC’s aim to work in partnership with the community and other public sector bodies to identify opportunities to share resources and provide better services and outcomes for communities.
Form and nurture partnerships, which are in the best interests of local communities, in a more strategic and collaborative way.
BENEFITS AND THEIR REALISATION
Enhancing the relationship between West Mercia Police and local community by aiding the work of a local charity which delivers services and supports the local community. This will improve public confidence and satisfaction from the Police and PCC.
AUTHOR
Name: Tess Vincent Date: 24 April 2025
FINANCIAL AND TREASURER COMMENTS
The proposal is for each party bear their own costs in connection with the Licence.
The PCC’s estimated legal costs are £750 (exclusive of VAT). The final amount will depend on the time incurred.
Treasurer
Signature Date 24/04/2025
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
By virtue of schedule 11, paragraph 14 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 the Police and Crime Commissioner may do anything which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the exercise of the functions of commissioner. That includes entering into contracts and other agreements (whether legally binding or not) and acquiring and disposing of property (including land).
PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Information in this form is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) and other legislation. Part 1 of this form will be made available on the West Mercia Commissioner’s website. Any facts and advice that should not be made automatically available on request are not included in Part 1 but instead in a separate Part 2 report.
OFFICER APPROVAL
Chief Executive Officer
Date 24th April 2025
