Home Office

Noted (AI summary) Greater Manchester Combined Authority outlines its functions and relationship to policing, noting that the Chief Constable has operational independence. It acknowledges the need for a coordinated approach to car cruising across Greater Manchester and notes that developments are in train. The Home Office highlights the establishment of a national practitioners group for car cruising leads and states the National Police Chiefs' Council have also agreed to discuss car cruising at the next Roads Policing Intelligence Forum. The Home Office will continue to work closely with the police to improve the response to illegal activity at these events.

Noted (AI summary) The Parliamentary Authorities confirm that they already plan to consider the automation of Carriage Gates and their general ease of use as part of the ongoing renewal project; and external reviewers have already been extensively involved in the New Palace Yard project, and will continue to be involved. The MPS will revise Post Instructions to relevant groups by direct emails, in hard copy and/or via electronic devices; MPS is working with MO19 and the National Police Chief’s Council to provide additional training on de-escalation techniques; and the MPS will ensure that there is appropriate input from tactical advisers at challenge panels, and the newly appointed PaDP OFC Sergeant will ensure that AFOs fully understand not only relevant changes to post instructions but also the rationale behind the changes. The MCA states sufficient guidance already exists in the public domain for operating commercial vessels and leisure boats on navigable rivers and canals, referring to existing codes and training courses. The BVRLA has increased counter terrorism training and guidance made available to vehicle rental and leasing firms, and routinely shares data and intelligence with police and counter terrorist authorities. The Department for Transport launched its Rental Vehicle Security Scheme in December 2018. The Home Office states the government accepts the Chief Coroner's recommendations and has taken action. The Department for Transport (DfT) launched the Rental Vehicle Security Scheme (RVSS) on 6th December 2018, and an industry led Advisory Panel was launched in January to oversee the development of the scheme. The London Ambulance Service states that the Chief Coroner found no matters of concern regarding their actions, so they will not be taking any further action. TfL implemented internal changes in October 2017 to improve communication of security advice. TfL is currently reviewing the height of all its bridge parapets to identify those that are below 1m high, with high priority bridges expected to be completed by April 2019.

Noted (AI summary) Virgin Care has implemented a process to ensure colleagues have completed ACCT awareness training and are aware of PSI 1700 upon starting at HMP High Down, with annual refresher training. An auditing process has also been implemented for Fitness for Segregation forms, carried out by Lead Nurses. The Department of Health has brought concerns regarding AMHP training to the attention of the HCPC, which sets criteria and approves training programs. Responsibility for AMHP training is due to become the responsibility of a new regulator; Social Work England, in 2018. The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) states that its existing criteria for AMHP training programs are appropriate and that individuals completing training have acquired the necessary skills in carrying out mental health assessments. They suggest that issues are best addressed by Local Social Services Authorities through ongoing training. Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council have taken several actions, including reviewing AMHP practices, providing additional training, commissioning audits, and reviewing policies. The HCPC reviewed documentation and closed the case, taking no further action regarding the AMHP's fitness to practice.

Noted (AI summary) The Minister offers condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Billington. The Department acknowledges the report and notes that current guidance requires isolators for fire alarm systems to be secured against unauthorised tampering, and suggests the system in question may have been an older system. They suggest any weaknesses in standards be brought to the attention of the British Standards Institution.

Noted (AI summary) DSFRS provides responses to the coroner's questions, but does not describe any specific actions taken or planned by their own service. The Ministry of Justice acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding legal aid funding but states that funding decisions are made independently and there are no plans to change the current scheme.

Noted (AI summary) The Home Office acknowledges the concerns, describes actions taken by the NCA and Border Force to combat online drug supply, and states that law enforcement agencies have powers to act against suppliers, but does not commit to new actions.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health acknowledges the concerns regarding the sale of helium gas and references a previous response to a similar case. They provide a copy of that earlier reply.

Noted (AI summary) The IPCC acknowledges the coroner's concerns, particularly regarding access to intelligence materials, and states it is best placed to determine who within the IPCC investigation should have access. The IPCC considers that there should be a clear legal right of access by IPCC investigations to all relevant intelligence material. The Home Office acknowledges the concerns raised, particularly regarding the IPCC's resources at the scene and access to intelligence. The response explains the existing legal framework for investigations and information disclosure, highlighting the need to balance transparency with national security. The National Armed Policing Portfolio has commenced work to determine whether the introduction of body worn video (BWV), might be included in armed policing operations. The National Policing portfolios will ensure liaison with the College of Policing to incorporate, reiterate and reflect issues relating to cordon management and evidence preservation in its post incident management and operational training. The National Crime Agency notes the concerns raised and states it has undertaken a thorough internal review of its operating procedures regarding intelligence gathering, development, and dissemination. Following this review, the Agency believes that no more could have realistically been done to avoid the incident. The MPS will adopt a procedure for all future police shootings whereby a Garage Sergeant or Collision Investigator is called by the DPS to download the IDR at the scene, which will then be available to police; the IPCC and any subsequent legal proceedings