Police forces and authorities in the North West region submitted a cost benefit analysis of the best options for police structures in the region, including estimated Information Communication and Technology (ICT) costs, to my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary (Mr. Clarke) in December 2005. This analysis was reviewed by the Home Office and a statement given by the then Home Secretary on 3 March 2006, Official Report, column 44WS.
A joint Home Office, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Association of Police Authorities (APA) and Police Information and Technology Organisation (PITO) working group has been established to work in conjunction with police forces to ensure that all ICT requirements, and associated costs, are identified in the Reform Programme.