West Mids confirms it will continue search for private partner despite Surrey bailing out

West Midlands Police has said it “acknowledges and respects” Surrey Police’s decision to drop out of their joint outsourcing scheme but says it will continue with the plan.

Surrey Police Authority withdrew on September 6 amid fears the incoming police and crime commissioners, many of whom are campaigning on an anti-privatisation platform, would abandon the plans on taking office.

But West Midlands Police told PoliceOracle.com it is continuing on the business partnering programme (BPP) scheme, with Home Office support.

The force’s DCC David Thompson said: “We acknowledge and respect the decision made by Surrey Police Authority on September 6.

"The force remains committed to developing the work on BPP in preparation for the new police and crime commissioner in November.”

He added Surrey Police and the other 41 forces in England and Wales will remain “potential beneficiaries” to any contract agreed by the force.