Commissioner announces independent Nicola Bulley case review

LANCASHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden held an extraordinary Accountability Board, on:- 21st February 2023, to inform the Constabulary of his intention to commission an independent review into the handling of the widely publicised missing from home investigation into Nicola Bulley. He has commissioned the College of Policing to undertake a full independent review, alongside the independent scrutiny that will come from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Coronial process.

The College of Policing is the independent national standards setting body for policing, including the standards for Police search, investigations, media relations and information management. The College's Police National Search Centre (PNSC) also provides national training guidance to all Police Forces on search techniques including looking for missing people.

Although the hypothesis of the Police investigation on how Nicola went missing was sadly proven to be correct, and significant resources were dedicated to the search, the case has prompted unprecedented public and media interest and certain elements of the how the case, and information relating to the investigation were handled, have been a cause for public concern.

The review will have 3 clear areas of focus; investigation and search, communication and public engagement, and the releasing of personal information. Commissioner Andrew Snowden is responsible for holding Lancashire Constabulary to account for delivering policing that is efficient and effective, along with ensuring the Police are answerable to the communities they serve.

Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said:- "This is a tragic case which has attracted unprecedented media and public interest. 1st and foremost, my thoughts remain with Nicola's family and friends - who have suffered an unimaginable loss, made harder through being in the public eye. I'd like to thank all the Police Officers and staff, volunteers and members of the public who contributed to the search. The Police's working theory that Nicola sadly entered the river was correct, and I know how hard and tirelessly so many people worked to find her. Ultimately, this has always been about finding a missing mother, partner, sister, daughter and friend. The public understandably feel that there remain questions about the handling of elements of the Police investigation, how it was communicated, and the decision to release personal information, which need to be answered and explained. In my role as Commissioner, as the public's voice in policing in Lancashire, I also need to put in place the appropriate scrutiny to seek the right assurances and to ensure I am effectively holding the Constabulary to account. I have therefore taken the decision to commission a full independent review into the handling of this case, with clearly defined terms of reference, to ensure lessons can be learned, not just for Lancashire, but for all forces. This includes how such cases can be best investigated and communicated under such spotlight and scrutiny. Yesterday I spoke with the Chief Executive of the College of Policing to agree the independent review and met with the Chief Officer Team of Lancashire Constabulary to outline the scope and nature of the review. Given the amount of misinformation on social media, poorly informed opinions given national airtime, the attacks on senior leaders personal appearance and family lives, along with the intrusion into the privacy of Nicola's family, it is important that a professional, thorough, and informed review is undertaken by a national independent body, with the right skills and resources, understanding of the current standards and access to the investigation information. I am sure there will be lessons to be learned for Lancashire Constabulary, the broader policing sector and others from this case, as there are from most major investigations and I will keep the public informed of the findings in due course."

Households urged to redeem their energy vouchers as £6.6m of support goes unclaimed in the Liverpool City Region

THOUSANDS of households have been urged to redeem uncashed energy vouchers as £6.6m of support goes unclaimed in the Liverpool City Region. More than 50,000 vouchers issued by the Government to households with pre-payment meters to help pay bills in October and November have still not been cashed in. The £66 vouchers are valid for 90 days but have now expired, though customers can get them re-issued by contacting their energy supplier. Many are thought to be missing out due to social and economic vulnerability, including language barriers, and because suppliers do not have up to date contact details.

Deputy Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region and Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Janette Williamson, said:- "Some of the most vulnerable households in Liverpool City Region are not receiving any help with their energy bills. Many of us have seen the credits automatically offset against our monthly charges but those on pre-payment meters must take steps to access their entitlement. This places a bureaucratic burden on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It is vital that we do as much as we can to encourage take up and our voluntary support agencies are working hard to make sure that no one loses out."

The £400 energy discounts are part of the Government's Energy Bills Support Scheme to help UK households with their energy bills this winter.

The support is paid in instalments:- £66 in October and November, and then £67 every month until March.

Nationally, a 3rd of energy vouchers from the Government; totalling around £50m; have been left unclaimed.

In Liverpool City Region, only 108,030 of the 158,300 vouchers issued have been redeemed; leaving 1⁄3 unused.

Those who pay by direct debit, on receipt of bill, or have a smart prepayment meter should be receiving the money automatically.

However, those with traditional prepayment meters; the type which have a key or card that needs to be topped up at a shop or Post Office; get their rebate in the form of monthly vouchers, which then need to be redeemed in the same way.

The vouchers were sent with a 90 day expiry date, so the tranche sent in November ran out, on:- Sunday, 5 February 2023.

For more information and advice on how to redeem the vouchers go to the CA website. To get help from Citizens Advice go to the website or call the freephone recorded information line on:- 08001700235.