PCD 1344 - Request for authorisation to settle a civil claim against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

PCD 1344 - Request for authorisation to settle a civil claim against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) is asked to consider a request to settle a claim for damages in respect of an accident. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has the discretion to authorise financial settlement of accident claims where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to: authorise settlement of 50% the claim for damages against the MPS and MOD for the reasons set out in part two. 

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

1. Introduction and background 

1. Part 2 of this Report is exempt because it falls within an exemption specified in para 2(2) of the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 and/or under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, e.g. because the information amounts to personal data, is confidential or commercially sensitive. 

2. The claim arises out of a joint training exercise with the MOD on  8 October 2015. In the course of this the claimant ran head first into a diagonal metal guy wire which knocked him off his feet and he fell backwards striking his head..  The claimant was medically retired in 2019. Proceedings against the MPS and MOD have been issued claiming damages for personal injury.  The claim now proceeds in respect of quantum.  

3. Issues for consideration 

4. For the DMPC to consider whether to authorise settlement of a claim identified in part 2, and whether the settlement will secure an efficient and effective Police Service 

3. Financial Comments 

1. The cost of any settlement, if agreed, would be met from the centrally held third party claims provision budget. This claim forms part of the Third Party Service Provision.  The MPS are required under IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) to maintain a Third Party Service Provision for claims against the MPS.  . 

4. Legal Comments 

1. The DMPC has delegated authority under section 4.10 of the Scheme of Consent and Delegation 2016, to consider the current application 

2. MOPAC has the power to pay any sum required in connection with the settlement for any claim made against the Commissioner under Section 88 of the Police Act 1996. 

5. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. The processing of personal data has been minimised as part of this decision and is held within Part 2 of the report. 

6. Equality Comments 

7. To continue policing with the consent of the population it serves, the police will always seek to treat everyone fairly and openly. Race or equality issues do not appear to have an impact in this matter.   

8. Background/supporting papers 

9. None