WELSH POLICE BREACH HOME OFFICE GUIDELINES

Details A Welsh police force has apparently breached Home Office guidelines by passing on the cost of GP's enquiries to applicants rather than paying for them itself.  The situation came to light when an FAC holder received a letter from Dyfed-Powys Police stating that they 'will no longer meet the costs of GP's letters and therefore any cost of this report will now be a matter between yourself and your GP'. A spokeswoman for the force said it was due to cost-cutting.  The problem now is that other Police forces may try to follow suit as all forces are looking to reduce costs.  Home Office guidance clearly states that approaches to the applicant's doctor should not be made as routine.  At present because forces have to pay for reports they are less likely to request them but if the applicant has to pay it could become the norm. If you find yourself in this situation our advise is to strongly resist paying and refer the matter to SACS immediately.