POLICE RESTRUCTURING

That this House notes the Home Secretary's proposals for restructuring police forces in England and Wales; recognises that the potential changes in structures are the most significant for over 30 years; believes that it is essential that there is proper consultation with police authorities and all interested parties and with the public; urges the Government to take full account of the implications of changes on funding, public confidence and accountability of police forces; recommends that the Government considers alternative options for change as advocated by the Association of Police Authorities, including the federated approach; and calls for any changes to be subject to full parliamentary scrutiny and debate.