Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help reduce administrative tasks for police and support staff.

Administrative tasks which are undertaken by police and support staff can include effective casefile preparation and establishing high quality disclosure practices, which is vital if justice is to be done.

The Home Office is committed to investing in policing capabilities and resources to help improve timeliness and enhance the quality of investigations, while also considering and seeking to reduce the burden on officers.

The Government is making several targeted investments through the Police Digital Service to improve the efficiency of police force activity. This will automate tasks, connect policing systems and reduce administrative burdens on officers.

In addition, the Police Covenant was established as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. One of its priorities under the Covenant is to help policing leaders find innovative solutions to reduce burdens of unnecessary demands, including disproportionate administration, and achieve a balance for all policing staff.