Mayor agrees extension to NPAS withdrawal deadline

Following conversations with the NPAS National Strategic Board and in consultation with the APCC, NPCC and the Home Office, the Mayor of West Yorkshire has agreed to extend the deadline to withdraw West Yorkshire from the role as lead local policing body for the National Police Air Service.

29th June 2022

Following conversations with the NPAS National Strategic Board (NSB) and in consultation with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) the Home Office, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin has agreed to extend the deadline to withdraw West Yorkshire from the role as lead local policing body for the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

The leading role carried out by West Yorkshire was due to cease on 15 June. However, the extension, to 1 June 2024, will give the Strategic Board of NPAS, made up of Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables from member forces, time to properly explore alternative hosting arrangements and transition the service to a new host.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

“I recognise the crucial importance of this service and the vital work it does.

“The National Police Air Service has huge capability and is a complex organisation and a lot of work is ongoing to find an alternative solution.

“I recognise the efforts that have been made by the NPAS Strategic Board and Gold Group to seek an alternative lead and host force for NPAS and acknowledge the challenges that have arisen in achieving a solution by the notice expiry date.

“I am reassured that work is underway to consider alternative hosting options and recognise that adequate time must be afforded to this work to allow the Board to take an informed decision and ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements. “That work continues and that is why I believe the extension is necessary.

“I have therefore agreed to extend the deadline that was set out in my withdrawal notice to 1st June 2024 to allow the board adequate time to explore potential alternative hosting arrangements and transition the service.

“This is on the understanding that the Board will have taken a decision and informed me of the new hosting arrangement by 1st June 2023, with a full transfer of responsibilities from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to the new hosting arrangements by 1st June 2024.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant staff and officers at NPAS for their continued support and commitment.

“During this extended period West Yorkshire Police will continue to deliver NPAS to the same high standards in supporting policing and helping to keep our communities safe throughout England & Wales.”