HUMBERSIDE Police Authority strengthened its sound financial position during the 1996-7 financial year, according to the chairwoman of its audit and general purposes committee.

Frances Bovill was speaking after the publication of the Audit Commission's annual report on the authority's performance.

She stated: "We have made significant strides in our financial management, including the introduction of devolved budgets to promote local decision-making across the service.

"There have also been significant advances in value-for-money projects. However, we need to remain vigilant in the face of continuing challenges."

The Audit Commission report highlighted examples of good practice and also outlined areas for improvement.

It stated that a good start had been made on provisions for the Year 2000 - and the so-called Millennium bug - and recommended progress be maintained.

Auditors also praised the authority for its strong financial control following the devolution of budgets; and for the successful transfer of payroll processing to Mills Associates, a move that will save £120,000 over three years.

The Audit Commission team was also pleased with progress made on two recommendations from the previous audit - the freeing up of operational officers' time by utilising tape summarisers; and the sickness and overtime management review.

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