Only a third of a sample of police authorities inspected are setting effective long-term strategic plans for themselves or their force, finds a joint report by HMIC and the Audit Commission. As a result, they are not doing enough to identify and deliver policing priorities for their area.

The report, 'Learning Lessons', urges police authorities to make hard decisions to focus their time and effort in ways which will make the biggest difference to the way that the police serve their communities.

Today's report highlights the continuing good practice across many authorities of holding Chief Constables to account for every day performance of the force. It recognises the leadership and determination of Chairs of police authorities in driving this forward.

The inspectorates found that most authorities do not have a clear enough focus on how forces provide value for money. As a result, the public cannot be assured that the police will provide a service that matches public expectations in the longer term.

Other important findings in the report include:

    * Authorities are effective in influencing annual budgets and funding
    * They increasingly consult and engage with the public to understand local concerns
    * Authorities can do more to work with local partners to deliver improved outcomes for the public
    * They have a good understanding of the Policing Pledge and single confidence target
    * Authorities should be benchmarking their force performance and spend to that of others in order to ensure that they are providing a quality service

The report draws on evidence collected from the first 10 inspections in the planned joint inspection programme of all 43 police authorities in England and Wales.

    H.M. Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Denis O'Connor, said:

    "Police authorities must adapt to the demands of policing in the 21st century.

    "They are being drawn in many directions. Given these pressures, they must focus to exercise effective influence on behalf of the public. They can do this by concentrating on setting the right direction for the public and making sure that the money available is well spent on their behalf.

    In tough times, they should be well placed to judge public sentiment and need, and lead on those issues. Police authorities must demonstrate to the public that taxpayers' money is well spent and devoted to the priorities that matter most to them."

    "Their success in forging a strategic role and scrutinising performance should not be dependent on the leadership of individuals but should be part of the make-up of the organisation."

    Michael O'Higgins, Chairman of the Audit Commission, added:

    "A clear theme running through these reports is the challenge for police authorities to hold forces to account for improving value for money. This is particularly important when all public services are expected to do more for less.

    "Police authorities play a vital role in securing efficient and effective policing, but they must focus their efforts on their governance role to ensure that forces deliver for local people."